SC Judges Visit Rajasthan Village With Tree-Planting Tradition On Birth Of Girl Child; Attend RSLSA's Green Justice Conference

In a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability and gender empowerment, the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) organized a day-long programme on April 5, 2025, in Nathdwara, District Rajsamand. The highlight of the event was a state-level conference titled "Green Justice: Role of Legal Services Institutions for Green & Clean Environment & Sustainable Development."

The programme was graced by Supreme Court judges Justice B.R. Gavai, Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and Justice Sandeep Mehta. Also present were the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Executive Chairman of RSLSA, along with all judges of the Rajasthan High Court.

Visit to Piplantri Village

In the morning, the dignitaries visited Piplantri village, renowned for its two-decade-old tradition of planting 111 trees for every girl child born—a movement initiated by former Sarpanch Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal. Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta along with the Chief Justice and other judges of the Rajasthan High Court lauded Paliwal's pioneering work in environmental and social reform.

It is pertinent to note that in a judgment delivered in December 2024, the Supreme Court had lauded Piplantri village's tradition. "This initiative transformed environmental damage not only of the village but also of nearby areas. This phenomenal effort also gave positive impetus to the efforts for reducing societal biases against women," the bench comprising Justices BR Gavai, SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta had observed in the judgment.

The RSLSA also inaugurated a Legal Awareness Camp in Piplantri focusing on forest conservation and girl child empowerment. Benefits under various welfare schemes were distributed, and wheelchairs were provided to specially-abled individuals. Eight girls were also granted benefits under the Piplantri Panchayat Kiran Nidhi Yojana.

Launch of 'Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025'

Recognizing the deep-rooted connection between nature and women—both revered and vulnerable—RSLSA launched an innovative eco-feminist initiative titled “Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025 – Eco Feminism.” As a pilot project, each of the 36 District Legal Services Authorities in Rajasthan will select one gram panchayat where 11 saplings will be planted on the birth of every girl child. Families will receive 'Green Girl Cards' linking them to legal and welfare services. If successful, the scheme will be expanded statewide.

Conference Highlights

At the afternoon conference, Justice Gavai stressed the need to balance development with environmental conservation, underlining the judiciary's role in safeguarding forests and natural resources. He described the visit to Piplantri as a "pilgrimage."

Justice Sandeep Mehta emphasized that 'Green Justice' is more a moral imperative than a legal obligation, coining the term “Green Opportunity” as a replacement for “Golden Opportunity.” He also read out a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commending Piplantri's environmental initiatives.

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also attended, invoked Kabir's couplets to highlight the importance of ecological consciousness. He praised RSLSA's environmental initiatives and paid tribute to environmentalists like Sundar Lal Bahuguna and Amrita Devi, calling the transition from thermal to solar power a form of “Green Justice.”

Chief Justice Shrivastava spoke of 'Green Justice' as integral to fundamental rights and positioned Legal Services Authorities as crucial connectors between laws, judicial interpretations, and grassroots awareness.

Justice Chandrashekhar welcomed attendees and elaborated on the conceptual foundation of the event.

Other Speakers and Releases

The conference also featured addresses by Arjit Banerjee, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and Dr. Kriti Bharti, known for her work against child marriage. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati delivered the vote of thanks.

Several publications were released during the event, including:

'Asha', an SOP for preventing child marriages by NALSA

'Nari Ki Udaan', a book celebrating women's empowerment

'Green Verdicts', a compilation of recent judgments on environmental protection

RSLSA's 2025 Calendar and Annual Action Plan

'Empowering Justice: RSLSA's Journey of Legal Aid & Reforms 2022-2025', documenting three years of innovations and legal empowerment efforts.

The event marked a comprehensive effort to align legal service delivery with the twin goals of ecological sustainability and social equity.