Urban populations in major cities could be compelled to wear protective face masks within the next 20 to 25 years unless immediate steps are taken to preserve the environment, retired Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Oka cautioned on Sunday.
Delivering an address as the chief guest at a function in Thane, Justice Oka emphasized that environmental preservation will emerge as the primary challenge confronting future generations. He observed that safeguarding ecosystems is a binding constitutional obligation rather than an optional endeavor, and that individual responsibility is essential to avert irreversible ecological damage.
Ecosystem Degradation And Urban Health Risks
Justice Oka noted that a pervasive belief has taken hold among both administrators and citizens that humanity owns the planet. He stated that this erroneous attitude has spurred widespread ecological damage, including aggressive tree felling, unrestrained firecracker use, air and noise pollution, and the contamination of rivers, lakes, and oceans under various religious and social pretexts.
Emphasizing that humans are not the masters of nature, the retired jurist warned that failing to protect natural ecosystems will make face masks compulsory across large metropolitan centers within two to two-and-a-half decades, even in the absence of a public health pandemic.
Guidelines For Artificial Intelligence In Academia
Addressing students at the event, Justice Oka offered guidance on navigating modern technological developments. He counseled them to utilize artificial intelligence tools primarily for research and data compilation, while highlighting that foundational thinking, analytical perspectives, and personal expression must remain individually cultivated.
Democracy And Expanding Female Representation In Law
Justice Oka further urged young people to pursue legal education to reinforce the country’s democratic institutions. Pointing to shifting demographics within the legal field, he noted that women now comprise between 55% and 60% of all enrollments across India’s 27 National Law Universities.
He added that female law students regularly excel in mock trials, debates, and judgment-writing contests, reflecting a broader trend of growing female representation across judicial appointments.
