THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WATER LAWS IN INDIA

Abstract

Companies are legal persons. Hence, it is the duty of the legal personalities as well to abide by the law and involve in making their contribution to the society as per social norms and expectations. Thus, under the companies act 2013, corporate social responsibility (csr) was formalized mandating the companies to allot 2% of their profits towards social and environmental initiatives. Multiple action plans and social initiatives are formulated by the government of india wherein water conservation and sanitation are among the key focus areas. Though, india's legal framework for water governance is rooted in constitutional provisions and various legislative measures such as the water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974 and the national water policy (2012), wherein these laws aim to manage water resources sustainably and ensure access to clean water. The csr initiatives towards water conservation, pollution control and providing accessibility to clean water for drinking and sanitation will aid the government to boost the productivity and approachability. This paper also addresses the challenges of coordinating corporate efforts with regulatory frameworks, monitoring the effectiveness of csr projects, and overcoming regional disparities in water management. Judicial interventions have further expanded the scope of corporate responsibility in environmental sustainability. Thus, public private partnership may help in improving monitoring mechanisms, greater corporate engagement in long-term water management solutions.