Journal of African Development

Energy is a fundamental prerequisite for human survival and socio-economic development, underpinning nearly all dimensions of contemporary life—from the fulfilment of basic human needs to the operation of complex industrial and technological systems. As a critical driver of economic growth, energy supports industrial production, commercial activity, and infrastructure development, thereby facilitating the efficient production, distribution, and transportation of goods and services. Access to adequate, reliable, and affordable energy is essential for employment generation, investment promotion, and the enhancement of living standards, positioning energy as a central catalyst of holistic development.

In this context, the regulation and rationalisation of the energy sector assume heightened significance to ensure alignment with the principles and objectives of sustainable development, as reflected in national priorities and international commitments. Beyond considerations of efficiency and growth, energy governance has profound implications for environmental justice, particularly in relation to the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens arising from energy production, distribution, and consumption. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of India’s energy laws to assess their role and effectiveness in advancing sustainable development while addressing environmental justice concerns. It critically examines the existing legal framework, policies, and regulatory mechanisms governing renewable and non-renewable energy resources, energy access, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised communities. The study identifies key challenges and opportunities in India’s sustainable energy transition and offers targeted recommendations to strengthen the legal framework for a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive energy sector grounded in environmental justice.......