---
title: "Precautionary Principle Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The precautionary principle asserts that uncertainty should not delay action against potential environmental harm, vital for policymakers and environmentalists."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/precautionary-principle"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The precautionary principle holds that where an activity threatens serious or irreversible environmental harm, lack of full scientific certainty must not be used to postpone preventive measures.
- What is the source of the precautionary principle in international law?
- How does the precautionary principle differ from the prevention principle?
- How has the Indian judiciary treated the precautionary principle?
- Why is the precautionary principle controversial in trade law?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The precautionary principle holds that where an activity threatens serious or irreversible environmental harm, lack of full scientific certainty must not be used to postpone preventive measures.

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Example

In Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996), the Indian Supreme Court applied the precautionary principle to order tanneries in Tamil Nadu to install pollution-control devices, placing the burden of proving environmental safety on the polluters.

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