The doctrine of PUBLIC TRUST in environmental law, as recognised by the Supreme Court in M.C. MEHTA v. KAMAL NATH, (1997) 1 SCC 388, holds that:

1. In M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997), the Supreme Court adopted the PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE. 2. The Court held: 'Our legal system — based on English common law — includes the public trust doctrine as part of its jurisprudence. The State is the trustee of all natural resources which are by nature meant for public use and enjoyment. Public at large is the beneficiary of the sea-shore, running waters, airs, forests and ecologically fragile lands. The State as a trustee is under a legal duty to protect the natural resources. These resources meant for public use cannot be converted into private ownership.' 3. The Court cancelled the lease of forest land for a private motel and required restoration. 4. Hence option B is correct. _Source: EPA 1986 / Constitution of India / Stockholm/Rio/Paris / Indian SC environmental jurisprudence — M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath, (1997) 1 SCC 388_