Under the Public Trust Doctrine (M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath), what is the legal status of natural resources like rivers, forests, and air?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. They are held by the State as a trustee for the public, and cannot be converted into private ownership

  1. Step 1: Review the landmark ruling in M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997) concerning construction on the Beas river bed.
  2. Step 2: The Supreme Court held that the Public Trust Doctrine is part of the law of the land.
  3. Step 3: Certain natural resources like rivers, seashores, forests, and air are held by the State in trust for the general public and cannot be transferred into private ownership or commercial hands.
Answer
They are held by the State as a trustee for the public, and cannot be converted into private ownership.

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