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Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

74 judgments · newest first · showing 1–74

VISHAL KALASARIA AND ORSversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Allowed

The petitioners, owners of several ready‑mix concrete plants, challenged FIR No.0287/2025 filed by a Village Revenue Officer alleging illegal operation and pollution under sections 223, 270, 279 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They contended that the plants possessed all required licences and that, …

M/s S.G. ConstructionsversusThe State of Bihar

DISPOSED

The partnership firm S.G. Constructions filed a writ petition challenging two letters issued by the Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board that imposed an environmental compensation of Rs. 78,80,000 under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section …

NEETU SOLVENTSversusVINEET NAGAR & ORS.

2026 INSC 455Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, manufacturers of formaldehyde and its resins, operated units in Rajasthan and Haryana under Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) granted by the respective State Pollution Control Boards (PCBs). The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered closure of these units for …

Dharmraj SinghversusThe State of Bihar

DISPOSED

The petitioners filed a public interest litigation seeking the closure of four rice mills in Rupsagar village, alleging operation without environmental clearances and causing hazardous air pollution. The respondents (the rice mills) submitted counter‑affidavits showing that they possessed valid …

Maruti Fuels StationversusThe Union of India

ALLOWED

The petitioner, Maruti Fuels Station, won the e‑auction for Aurangabad Sone Sand Block No.8 but alleged that extensive sand extraction had already depleted the resource and no replenishment study had been conducted. The petitioner sought a direction to halt any coercive action and to compel the …

M/S TRIVENI ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIES LTD.versusSTATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.

2025 INSC 1060Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, M/s Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd., a sugar manufacturer, was ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to pay Rs.18 crore as environmental compensation for alleged illegal discharge of untreated effluents and related violations. The appellant challenged the orders on the …

VANASHAKTIversusUNION OF INDIA

2025 INSC 961Case Partly allowed

The petition challenged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s notification dated 29 January 2025 (S.O. 523(E)) and the accompanying Office Memorandum of 30 January 2025, which altered the regime of environmental clearance for building and construction projects under Entry 8(a) and …

DELHI POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEEversusLODHI PROPERTY CO. LTD. ETC.

2025 INSC 923Appeal(s) allowed

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) appealed against a Delhi High Court decision that held it could not levy restitutionary or compensatory damages under s.33A of the Water Act and s.31A of the Air Act, on the ground that such powers amounted to penalties. The Supreme Court examined the …

ARUN KUMAR SHARMA & ORS.versusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

2025 INSC 826Dismissed

The appellants filed an application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking to quash a No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) and consent for a petrol pump at Khasra No. 109/1/2, alleging violations of environmental and municipal regulations. While the NGT dismissed the application, the appellants …

M K RANJITSINH & ORS.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2024 INSC 280Directions issued

The petitioners sought a blanket prohibition on the installation of overhead transmission lines for solar power across roughly 99,000 square kilometres in Rajasthan and Gujarat, arguing that such lines threaten the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The Supreme Court had earlier …

VEDANTA LIMITEDversusTHE STATE OF TAMIL NADU & ORS

2024 INSC 175Dismissed

Vedanta Limited operates a copper smelter at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the State Government ordered its closure for repeated violations of environmental norms, including operating without consent, improper hazardous waste …

DR. BALRAM SINGHversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2023 INSC 950Directions issued

Dr. Balram Singh filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking the full implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 and the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993. The Court examined …

PANCHAYAT QURESHIAN AND ANOTHERversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND OTHERS

2023 INSC 841Dismissed

The petitioners sought to overturn a Permanent Lok Adalat order directing the closure of a slaughterhouse in Tonk, alleging the Adalat lacked jurisdiction. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) later issued directions under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) …

JOLLY GEORGE AND ANR.versusGEORGE ELIAS AND ASSOCIATES AND ORS.

2023 INSC 365Disposed off

George Elias & Associates, engaged in road works, purchased Hot Mix Plants and obtained an Acknowledgement Certificate under the Kerala Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Facilitation Act, 2019, as well as "Consent to Establish" from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. Their application …

M/S INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITEDversusV. B. R. MENON & OTHERS

2023 INSC 231Disposed off

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Chennai ordered the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to make it mandatory for all petroleum retail outlets to obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) before setting up or operating, in addition to directing the installation of vapour …

D. SWAMYversusKARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD AND ORS

2022 INSC 998Dismissed

The appellant, D. Swamy, challenged the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board's (KSPCB) consent to operate a Common Bio‑Medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBMWTF) on the ground that the facility lacked prior environmental clearance (EC) under the 2006 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) …

ELECTROSTEEL STEELS LIMITEDversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC

2021 INSC 859Appeal(s) allowed

Electrosteel Steels Ltd. obtained environmental clearance (EC) and consent to establish a steel plant at a specified site in Bokaro, but later shifted the plant 5.3 km away, allegedly encroaching forest land. The Ministry of Environment and the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) revoked …

NOORULLA KHANversusKARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD & ANR.

2021 INSC 330Dismissed

The Sandur Gram Panchayat and its chief officer were convicted under Sections 43 and 44 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Additional Sessions Judge set aside the conviction, holding that the chief officer, as a public servant, was protected by Section 197 of the Code …

ALEMBIC PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.versusROHIT PRAJAPATI & ORS.

2020 INSC 326Appeal(s) allowed

Three pharmaceutical units in Ankleshwar began operations without obtaining the prior environmental clearance (EC) mandated by the 1994 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification. The Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a 2002 circular allowing defaulting units to obtain an …

HANUMAN LAXMAN AROOSKARversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2020 INSC 49Disposed off

The Union of India sought a direction that the minutes of the 40th meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) dated 23 April 2019 be placed on record so that the Supreme Court's embargo on the environmental clearance (EC) for the Mopa greenfield airport could be lifted. The Court examined …

KEYSTONE REALTORS PVT. LTD.versusSHRI ANIL V THARTHARE & ORS.

2019 INSC 1312Dismissed

Keystone Realtors Pvt. Ltd. undertook a residential redevelopment project in Mumbai. The project’s built‑up area grew from 8,720.32 sq m to 32,395.17 sq m, triggering the need for an Environmental Clearance (EC) under the 2006 EIA Notification, which was granted on 2 May 2013. The appellant later …

KARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROLversusB. HEERA NAIK & ORS. ETC.

2019 INSC 1283Appeal(s) allowed

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) filed complaints against the City Municipal Council (CMC) of Krishnarajapuram and its former commissioners for discharging untreated sewage in violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The High Court quashed the …

ANDHRA PRADESH POLLUTION CONTROLversusCCL PRODUCTS (INDIA) LIMITED

2019 INSC 789Appeal(s) allowed

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) directed CCL Products (India) Ltd. to furnish three bank guarantees to secure compliance with environmental directions issued under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. After inspecting the plant and finding violations, the …

TAMIL NADU POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDversusSTERLITE INDUSTRIES (I) LTD. & ORS.

2019 INSC 220Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether the National Green Tribunal (NGT) could entertain direct appeals (leapfrog appeals) against original orders of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) under the Air and Water Acts, specifically the refusal to renew consent for Sterlite Industries' copper …

TECHI TAGI TARAversusRAJENDRA SINGH BHANDARI & ORS.

2017 INSC 986Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined an appeal against an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that directed State Governments to reconsider the appointments of chairpersons and members of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and to lay down guidelines for such appointments. The Court held that under …

COMMON CAUSEversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2017 INSC 700Directions issued

The Supreme Court examined a massive illegal mining scandal in Odisha involving 187 iron and manganese ore leases, many of which operated without environmental or forest clearances, exceeded mining plans, or violated statutory provisions. The Court rejected the lease‑holders' claim that the Justice …

DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYversusKENNETH BUILDERS & DEVELOPERS LTD. & ORS.

2016 INSC 458Dismissed

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) auctioned a 14.3‑hectare parcel of land for residential development on an "as is where is" basis, and Kenneth Builders & Developers Ltd. (the builder) paid the full bid amount and obtained possession. The development agreement required the builder to secure all …

V.C. CHINNAPPA GOUDARversusKARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD & ANR.

2015 INSC 968Dismissed

The appellants, who were public servants, were prosecuted under Section 48 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. They contended that, as public servants, prosecution required prior sanction under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which was not obtained. The …

K. GURUPRASAD RAOversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND OTHERS

2013 INSC 397Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court heard a public‑interest writ petition seeking the cancellation of a mining lease and a ban on mining within one kilometre of the 16th‑century Jambunatha Temple, a protected monument in Karnataka. The petition challenged mining activities that were alleged to have caused structural …

G. SUNDARRAJANversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2013 INSC 314Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the legality of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) amid public opposition, focusing on whether the plant complied with environmental, coastal‑zone, and safety regulations. It held that the project was undertaken under the national nuclear policy reflected in the …

STER LITE INDUSTRIES (INDIA) LTD. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC. ETC.

2013 INSC 204Appeal(s) allowed

Sterlite Industries obtained environmental clearance and consent orders to set up a copper smelter in Tuticorin in 1995. The Madras High Court ordered its closure, citing lack of a mandatory public hearing, violation of a 25‑km distance condition from an ecologically sensitive area, and an …

NAMIT SHARMAversusUNION OF INDIA

2012 INSC 392Case Partly allowed

The petition challenged the constitutional validity of Sections 12(5), 12(6), 15(5) and 15(6) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, which prescribe the eligibility criteria for appointing Chief Information Commissioners and Information Commissioners. The petitioner argued that the provisions were …

INDIAN COUNCIL FOR ENVIRO-LEGAL ACTIONversusUNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

2011 INSC 498Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined a long‑running environmental dispute in which chemical industries in Bichhri, Rajasthan had been ordered in 1996 to pay Rs.37.385 crore for remediation of toxic sludge and to have their plants closed. Despite the judgment, the respondents repeatedly filed interlocutory …

M. NIZAMUDDINversusM/S. CHEMPLAST SANMAR LTD. AND ORS.

2010 INSC 139Disposed off

Chemplast Sanmar Ltd. sought to set up a PVC plant in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, importing Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) via a marine terminal and laying pipelines that cross the Uppanar river. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) granted environmental clearance under the 1991 Coastal …

M.C. MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2009 INSC 750Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined extensive illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills of Haryana, where numerous mines operated without environmental clearances, rehabilitation plans, or compliance with statutory reclamation requirements, causing severe groundwater depletion and ecological damage. The Court …

U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDversusDR. BHUPENDRA KUMAR MODI & ANR.

2008 INSC 1419Appeal(s) allowed

The U.P. Pollution Control Board granted conditional consent to Modi Carpets Ltd. to discharge trade effluent, but the company discharged untreated effluent in violation of the consent. The Board filed a complaint under Section 44 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 against …

SOORARAM PRATAP REDDY & ORS.versusDISTRICT COLLECTOR, RANGA REDDY DISTT. & ORS.

2008 INSC 1017Dismissed

The Government of Andhra Pradesh acquired a large tract of land in Hyderabad for an integrated infrastructure project, the Financial District, to be implemented by the state nodal agency APllC in partnership with a private company, Emaar. Small landowners challenged the acquisition, alleging it was …

PARTHIBAN BLUE METAL ETC.versusTHE MEMBER SECY. T.N. POLLN. CONT. BD. AND ORS.

2007 INSC 88Disposed off

The appellants operated nine stone‑crushing units in Trisoolam Village, Tamil Nadu, and were served notices by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for being within 500 metres of a residential area. The appellants contended that the permissible distance had been reduced to 300 metres and that all …

M.C.MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 913Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a Public Interest Litigation concerning the Taj Heritage Corridor project, which alleged irregularities and unauthorized release of Rs. 17 crore. The Court had earlier ordered a CBI inquiry and later directed the CBI to register an FIR and investigate senior officials. The …

AKHIL SHARAT GOSEWA SANGHversusSTATE OF A.P. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 186

The Supreme Court examined a series of appeals challenging the grant of an industrial licence to Al‑Kabeer Exports Ltd. for a mechanised slaughter‑house in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh. The petitioners argued that the licence violated location prohibitions, environmental standards, the Andhra …

M.C. MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2004 INSC 188Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether mining activities within a 5 km radius of the Delhi‑Haryana border and in the Aravalli hills cause environmental degradation and whether the earlier order of 6 May 2002 banning such mining should be varied. It held that the ban remains in force until a newly …

M.C. MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ON BEHALF OF MONITORING COMMITTEE

2003 INSC 495

The Supreme Court, hearing a writ petition under Article 32 filed by environmental activist M.C. Mehta on behalf of a Monitoring Committee, examined the Taj Heritage Corridor project undertaken near the Taj Mahal. The Court found that construction and river‑bed reclamation work had commenced without …

STATE OF M.P.versusKEDIA LEATHER AND LIQUOR LTD. AND ORS .

2003 INSC 405Case Partly allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh challenged the closure orders issued by a Sub‑Divisional Magistrate under Section 133 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) against Kedia Leather and Liquor Ltd. for alleged water and air pollution. The High Court held that the Water (Prevention and Control of …

A.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD-IIversusPROF. M.V. NAYUDU (RETD.) AND ORS.

2000 INSC 564Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether the Andhra Pradesh Government could lawfully exempt a hazardous vegetable‑oil industry from a statutory 10‑km prohibition around the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs, which supply drinking water to Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The State had issued GO 153 …

M.C. MEHTAversusKAMAL NATH AND ORS.

2000 INSC 329

The Supreme Court revisited a writ petition filed under Article 32 concerning the Mis Span Motel's pollution of the Beas River. The Court affirmed that damages can be awarded for environmental restoration and for victims under the polluter‑pays principle, but held that a pollution fine cannot be …

STATE OF MANIPUR AND ORS.versusCHANDAM MANIHAR SINGH

1999 INSC 442Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Manipur reconstituted its State Pollution Control Board under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, appointing a Chairman whose three‑year term was to end on 4 May 1998. After the Chairman resigned, Chandam Manihar Singh was nominated on 16 October 1996 to fill the …

RE BHAVANI RIVER-SAKTHI SUGARS LTD.versusRE BHAVANI RIVER-SAKTHI SUGARS LTD.

1998 INSC 276Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined a writ petition concerning the discharge of objectionable effluents from Sakthi Sugars Ltd.'s distillery into the Bhavani River, which had become a health and environmental hazard. The High Court had dismissed the petition solely on the consent of the Tamil Nadu Pollution …

IN RE: BHAYANI RIVER - SAKTHI SUGARS LTD.versus--

1998 INSC 46Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined the non‑compliance of Sakthi Sugars Ltd. with directions issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Board had ordered proper storage, treatment and disposal of effluent, but the …

M.C.MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1534Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ petition filed by environmental activist M.C. Mehta alleging that emissions from coke/coal‑using industries in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) were causing severe atmospheric pollution and damaging the Taj Mahal. Expert reports (NEERI, Varadharajan …

M.C.MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1516Disposed off

The Supreme Court, hearing a public‑interest writ filed by environmental activist M.C. Mehta, examined the pollution caused by about 550 tanneries in the eastern fringe of Calcutta that were discharging untreated effluent into the River Ganga. The Court found that the tanneries were operating …

VELLORE CITIZENS WELFARE FORUMversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 952Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a public‑interest writ under Article 32 filed by the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum alleging that tanneries in five districts of Tamil Nadu were discharging untreated effluents, contaminating surface and groundwater, rendering 35,000 hectares of agricultural land unfit …

INDIAN COUNCIL FOR ENVIRO-LEGAL ACTIONversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1996 INSC 543

The Indian Council for Enviro‑Legal Action filed a public‑interest writ under Article 32 seeking enforcement of the 19 February 1991 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification and challenging the validity of the 18 August 1994 amendment Notification. The petition alleged widespread …

INDIAN COUNCIL FOR ENVIRO-LEGAL ACTIONversusUNION OF INDIA

1996 INSC 237Dismissed

The Supreme Court entertained a social‑action writ filed by the Indian Council for Enviro‑Legal Action on behalf of villagers of Bichhri, who suffered severe water, soil and health damage due to untreated effluents and toxic sludge from private chemical industries. The petition sought directions …

VINEET KUMAR MATHURversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1995 INSC 698Disposed off

The petitioner highlighted severe pollution of the Gomti River caused by several industries, including Mohan Meakins Breweries, and the Supreme Court ordered on 15 January 1993 that these units must rectify deficiencies in their effluent treatment plants by 21 March 1993 or cease operations. Mohan …

STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH AND OTHERSversusGANESH WOOD PRODUCTS AND ORS. ETC.

1995 INSC 554Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the Himachal Pradesh government's refusal to approve several katha‑manufacturing units after the Industrial Projects Approval and Review Authority (IPARA) had given provisional approvals. The Court held that IPARA’s approvals were merely administrative …

AKHIL BHARAT GOSEVA SANGH ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

1994 INSC 489Directions issued

The Supreme Court examined the controversy surrounding the establishment of a mechanised slaughter house (Alkabeer Abattoir) at Rudraram, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh. The petitioner organisations challenged the various permissions granted to the company, arguing that the slaughter house would …

SUBHASH KUMARversusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

1991 INSC 3Dismissed

Subhash Kumar filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, claiming that West Bokaro Collieries and Tata Iron & Steel Co. were polluting the Bokaro river by discharging slurry from their washeries, thereby violating the right to life under Article 21. He also alleged that the State of …

CHHETRIYA PARDUSHAN MUKTI SANGHARSH SAMITIversusSTATE OF U.P AND ORS.

1990 INSC 230Dismissed

The Chhetriya Pardushan Mukti Sangharsh Samiti filed a letter alleging that an oil mill and a refinery in the Sarnath area were causing severe air and water pollution, leading to health hazards and ecological damage, and treated the letter as a writ petition under Article 32. The respondents, …

M.C. MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1988 INSC 3Disposed off

The Supreme Court entertained a public interest litigation filed by M.C. Mehta seeking relief from the severe pollution of the River Ganga at Kanpur, where 274.5 million litres of untreated sewage were being discharged daily. The petition raised the question of whether a non‑riparian citizen could …

M.C. MEHTAversusUNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

1987 INSC 261Directions issued

M.C. Mehta, a social worker, filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking directions to stop the discharge of untreated tannery effluents into the River Ganga. The Court treated the case as a representative action, issuing notices to industrialists and municipal bodies and hearing evidence that …

U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDversusMODI DISTILLERY & ORS.

1987 INSC 199Appeal(s) allowed

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (the Board) refused consent to Modi Distillery's discharge of trade effluents into the Kali River because its application was incomplete and the unit lacked proper treatment facilities. After repeated notices, the Board lodged a complaint under section 44 of …

M.C. MEHTA AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

1986 INSC 281Disposed off

The petitioners filed a writ under Article 32 seeking the closure of Shriram Foods & Fertilizers' hazardous units. During the proceedings oleum gas escaped, prompting the Delhi Legal Aid Board and Delhi Bar Association to file applications for compensation on behalf of victims. The Court examined …

M.C. MEHTA & ANR. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC.

1986 INSC 19Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined a public‑interest writ petition filed by environmental activist M.C. Mehta on behalf of Delhi residents challenging two orders that prohibited Shriram Foods & Fertiliser Industries from operating its caustic‑chlorine plant in a densely populated area of Delhi. After a …