ISSUE:
Whether the rivers have the same status as that of an individual?
Whether rivers can have the same legal rights as living people?
RULE:
A juristic person, like any other natural person, is conferred with rights and obligations and dealt with according to law; similarly, rivers are considered living beings for the well-being of society at large.
The doctrine of parens patriae translates to “parent of the nation.” It refers to the power of the state to intervene against an abusive or negligent parent, legal guardian, or informal caretaker and to act as the parent of the child, individual, or animal who needs the protection.
"Loco Parentis"; this Latin phrase means “instead of a parent.” it means the legal responsibility of some person or organization to perform some of the functions or responsibilities of a parent.