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Pollution Board's Emergency Powers Upheld by Court
24 Jan
Summary
- Court upheld pollution control board's emergency powers for environmental protection.
- Hotel's sewage and effluent treatment plants found non-operational.
- Petitioners directed to approach National Green Tribunal for remedies.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has affirmed the emergency powers of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) concerning environmental violations. This ruling came in a case where the PPCB took action against the Park Plaza hotel in Jalandhar. The court directed the hotel's owners, The Hind Samachar Limited, to seek remedies from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
An inspection on January 13, 2026, revealed significant environmental non-compliance at the 72-room hotel. The hotel's sewage treatment plant was found to be bypassed, discharging untreated wastewater directly into the municipal sewer. Similarly, the effluent treatment plant for laundry waste was non-functional.
The court rejected arguments of natural justice denial, stating that in emergent situations, immediate action is necessary to prevent environmental harm. The Bench noted that the PPCB had recorded sufficient reasons for its emergency actions, aligning with the Water Act of 1974.
Extending a status quo order for one week until January 30, 2026, the High Court allowed petitioners time to pursue their case at the NGT. The court's examination was confined to pollution-related actions, leaving other petitioner claims for the NGT.
