M. C. Mehta vs Kamal Nath & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the imposition of exemplary damages against M/s Span Motels Pvt. Ltd. for environmental degradation. The court reaffirmed the 'Public Trust Doctrine' as an integral part of Indian law, emphasizing that natural resources are held by the state as a trustee for the public. Consequently, the court quashed previous government approvals and lease deeds, ordering the restoration of the affected land to its original natural condition.