COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION’S FRAMEWORKS FOR LEGAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA

Abstract

This paper examines the frameworks multinational corporations (MNCs) use to ensure legal environmental compliance, focusing on practices in India. The study addresses three key areas: Firstly, it analyzes how MNCs from different countries design internal compliance mechanisms to navigate varied environmental regulations worldwide. This includes examining the guidance provided by headquarters to subsidiaries and the autonomy allowed in managing local environmental issues. Secondly, it explores legal doctrines and principles that hold MNCs accountable for environmental harm within India and internationally. This section discusses parent company liability and assesses how effectively existing legal frameworks deter environmental violations. Thirdly, the paper identifies and compares best practices that MNCs in India implement for effective environmental governance, covering environmental risk management, stakeholder engagement, and pollution control strategies. The paper aims to establish benchmarks for enhanced environmental performance across sectors by evaluating these practices. This comparative analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of current MNC compliance frameworks in India, offering insights for policymakers to develop stronger regulations and for MNCs to improve environmental stewardship within the Indian context.