Assertion (A): The polluter pays principle says that the absolute liability for environmental harm extends not only to compensating victims of pollution but also to restoring the environment.
Reason (R): The case M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath and others has decided so.
Choose the most appropriate answer:

Correct option is C

The polluter pays principle is a well-established doctrine in environmental law. While A is correct, R is not entirely accurate as the case M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath primarily dealt with the doctrine of public trust and not directly with the "polluter pays" principle.