Comparative Study on Greenwashing in India and Other Countries

Abstract

Greenwashing, the practice of misleading consumers and stakeholders about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or corporate practice, has emerged as a critical challenge in global environmental governance. In India, where environmental jurisprudence is deeply rooted in constitutional principles and statutory mandates, greenwashing is increasingly scrutinized under consumer protection, corporate disclosure, and environmental regulatory laws. By contrast, countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and members of the European Union adopt stringent statutory guidelines, advertising standards, and enforcement mechanisms to curb deceptive environmental claims. Through comparative analysis, the study highlights both convergence and divergence in legal responses, explores case studies of corporate misconduct, and evaluates the effectiveness of remedies available to consumers and regulators. The article argues that India, despite having a strong constitutional foundation, requires more explicit statutory recognition and regulatory clarity to address greenwashing effectively. By learning from international practices, India can strengthen its framework to balance corporate growth with sustainable accountability, thereby ensuring genuine environmental protection rather than superficial compliance.