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Timestamp: 2019-04-23 18:11:58+00:00

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An Act to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water, for the establishment, with a view to carrying out the purposes aforesaid, of Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution, for conferring on and assigning to such Boards powers and functions relating thereto and for matters connected therewith.
And whereas in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution resolutions have been passed by all the Houses of the Legislature of the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal to the effect that the matters aforesaid should be regulated in those States by Parliament by law.
(1) This Act may be called the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
(2) It applies in the first instance to the whole of the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal and the Union territories; and it shall apply to such other State which adopts this Act by resolution passed in that behalf under clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution.
(3) It shall come into force, at once in the State of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal and in the Union territories, and in any other State which adopts this Act under clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution on the date of such adoption and any reference in this Act to the commencement of this Act shall, in relation to any State or Union territory mean the date on which this Act comes into force in such State or Union territory.
(k) “trade effluent” includes any liquid, gaseous or solid substance which is discharged from any premises used for carrying on any 5[industry, operation or process, or treatment and disposal system], other than domestic sewage.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 2, for clause (b).
2. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 2, for clause (d).
3. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 2.
4. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 2, for clause (h).
5. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 2, for “trade or industry”.
(1) The Central Government shall, with effect from such date (being a date not later than six months of the commencement of this Act in the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal and in the Union territories) as it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, constitute a Central Board to be called the 1[Central Pollution Control Board] to exercise the powers conferred on and perform the functions assigned to that Board under this Act.
(3) The Central Board shall be a body corporate with the name aforesaid having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property and to contract, and may, by the aforesaid name, sue or be sued.
The Parliament, if it so wishes, can review the matter and amend the Act suitably so that there is no ambiguity between the intent of the law and its interpretation; Dr. C.S. Subramaniam v. Kumaraswamy, (1994) 3 CPR 433.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 3, for “Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 3, for certain words.
3. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 3, for “five officials”.
4. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 3, for “three non-officials”.
5. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 3, for clause (f).
(1) The State Government shall, with effect from such date 1[***] as it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, constitute a 2[State Pollution Control Board], under such name as may be specified in the notification, to exercise the powers conferred on and perform the functions assigned to that Board under this Act.
(3) Every State Board shall be a body corporate with the name specified by the State Government in the notification under sub-section (1), having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property and to contract, and may, by the said name, sue or be sued.
Provided that in relation to any Union territory the Central Board may delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this sub-section to such person or body of persons as the Central Government may specify.
1. Certain words omitted by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4.
2. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 4, for “State Board” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
3. The word “full-time” omitted by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4.
4. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4, for certain words.
5. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4.
6. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4, for “five officials.
7. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4, for “five persons”.
8. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 4, for “three non-officials”.
9. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 4, for clause (f).
Provided that a member shall, notwithstanding the expiration of his term, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon his office.
(3) The Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government may, if it thinks fit, remove any member of a Board before the expiry of his term of office, after giving him a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.
(b) in any other case, to the chairman of the Board, and the seat of the chairman or such other member shall thereupon become vacant.
(6) A casual vacancy in a Board shall be filled by a fresh nomination and the person nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the term for which the member in whose place he was nominated.
(8) The other terms and conditions of service of a member of a Board, other than the chairman and member-secretary, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(9) The other terms and conditions of service of the chairman shall be such as may be prescribed.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 5, for sub-section (2).2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 5, for certain words.
3. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 5, for “shall not be eligible for renomination for more than two terms” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(g) has so abused, in the opinion of the Central Government or as the case may be, of the State Government, his position as a member, as to render his continuance on the Board detrimental to the interest of the general public.
(2) No order of removal shall be made by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, under this section unless the member concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the same.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (7) of section 5, a member who has been removed under this section shall not be eligible for renomination as a member.
If a member of a Board becomes subject to any of the disqualifications specified in section 6, his seat shall become vacant.
Provided that if, in the opinion of the chairman, any business of an urgent nature is to be transacted, he may convene a meeting of the Board at such time as he thinks fit for the aforesaid purpose.
(1) A Board may constitute as many committees consisting wholly of members or wholly of other persons or partly of members and partly of other persons, and for such purpose or purposes as it may think fit.
(2) A committee constituted under this section shall meet at such time and at such place, and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings, as may be prescribed.
(3) The members of a committee (other than the members of the Board) shall be paid such fees and allowances, for attending its meetings and for attending to any other work of the Board as may be prescribed.
(1) A Board may associate with itself in such manner, and for such purposes, as may be prescribed any person whose assistance or advice it may desire to obtain in performing any of its functions under this Act.
(2) A person associated with the Board under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall have a right to take part in the discussions of the Board relevant to that purpose, but shall not have a right to vote at a meeting of the Board, and shall not be a member for any other purpose.
1. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 6.
No act or proceeding of a Board or any committee thereof shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Board or such committee, as the case may be.
1. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 7.
(1) The terms and conditions of service of the member-secretary shall be such as may be prescribed.
(2) The member-secretary shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be delegated to him by the Board or its chairman.
(3) Subject to such rules as may be made by the Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government in this behalf, a Board may appoint such officers and employees as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its functions 1[***].
(4) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, a Board may from time to time appoint any qualified person to be a consulting engineer to the Board and pay him such salaries and allowances and subject him to such other terms and conditions of service as it thinks fit.
1. Certain words omitted by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 8.
2. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 8.
3. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 6 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(ii) in a case referred to in clause (b), for the participating Union territory or Union territories and the State or States.
(d) make such incidental and ancillary provisions, not inconsistent with this Act, as may be deemed necessary or expedient for giving effect to the agreement.
(3) An agreement under this section shall be published, in a case referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1), in the Official Gazette of the participating States and in a case referred to in cause (b) of that sub-section, in the Official Gazette of the participating Union territory or Union territories and participating State or States.
A Joint Board can be constituted by an agreement (a) either by two or more Governments of contiguous States; (b) or by the Central Government (in respect of one or more Union territories) and one or more Governments of States contiguous to such Union territory or Union territories.
(3) When a Joint Board is constituted in pursuance of an agreement under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 13, the provisions of sub-section (4) of section 4 shall cease to apply in relation to the Union territory for which the Joint Board is constituted.
(4) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 4 and sections 5 to 12 (inclusive) shall apply in relation to the Joint Board and its member-secretary as they apply in relation to a State Board and its member-secretary.
(5) Any reference in this Act to the State Board shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as including a Joint Board.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 9, for certain words.
2. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 7, for clause (f) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
3. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 9, for certain words.
4. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 7, for clause (f) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(b) the Central Government alone shall be competent to give any direction under this Act where such direction relates to a matter within the territorial jurisdiction of two or more States or pertaining to a Union territory.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States.
(i) perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
(3) The Board may establish or recognize a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or will or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.
Main functions of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States. It may perform all or any of the functions mentioned in clauses (a) to (i) of sub-section (2), and it may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories for the purpose mentioned in sub-section (3).
1. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 8 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(o) to perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it by the Central Board or the State Government.
(2) The Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.
Provided that where a direction given by the State Government is inconsistent with the direction given by the Central Board, the matter shall be referred to the Central Government for its decision.
2[(2) Where the Central Government is of the opinion that any State Board has defaulted in complying with any directions given by the Central Board under sub-section (1) and as a result of such default a grave emergency has arisen and it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, it may, by order, direct the Central Board to perform any of the functions of the State Board in relation to such area for such period and for such purposes, as may be specified in the order.
(3) Where the Central Board performs any of the functions of the State Board in pursuance of a direction under sub-section (2), the expenses, if any, incurred by the Central Board with respect to the performance of such functions may, if the State Board is empowered to recover such expenses, be recovered by the Central Board with interest (at such reasonable rate as the Central Government may, by order, fix) from the date when a demand for such expenses is made until it is paid from the person or persons concerned as arrears of land revenue or of public demand.
In the performance of its functions (i) the Central Board shall be bound by directions of the Central Government; (ii) a State Board shall be bound by directions of the State Government, subject to certain contingencies.
1. Section 18 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 9 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
2. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 9 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the State Government, after consultation with, or on the recommendation of, the State Board, is of opinion that the provisions of this Act need not apply to entire State, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, restrict the application of this Act to such area or areas as may be declared therein as water pollution, prevention and control area or areas and thereupon the provisions of this Act shall apply only to such area or areas.
(2) Each water pollution, prevention and control area may be declared either by reference to a map or by reference to the line of any watershed or the boundary of any district or partly by one method and partly by another.
(b) define a new water pollution, prevention and control area in which may be merged one or more water pollution, prevention and control areas, or any part or parts thereof.
The State Government is of the opinion that the provisions of this Act need not apply to the entire State, it may restrict the application of this Act to such area or areas as may be declared as water pollution, prevention and control area or areas. The State Government is also empowered to alter any area or define a new area.
(1) For the purpose of enabling a State Board to perform the functions conferred on it by or under this Act, the State Board or any officer empowered by it in that behalf, may make surveys of any area and gauge and keep records of the flow or volume and other characteristics of any stream or well in such area, and may take steps for the measurement and recording of the rainfall in such area or any part thereof and for the installation and maintenance for those purposes of gauges or other apparatus and works connected therewith, and carry out stream surveys and may take such other steps as may be necessary in order to obtain any information required for the purposes aforesaid.
(2) A State Board may give directions requiring any person who in its opinion is abstracting water from any such stream or well in the area in quantities which are substantial in relation to the flow or volume of that stream or well or is discharging sewage or trade effluent into any such stream or well, to give such information as to the abstraction or the discharge at such times and in such form as may be specified in the directions.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (2), a State Board may, with a view to preventing or controlling pollution of water, give directions requiring any person in charge of any establishment where any 1[industry, operation or process, or treatment and disposal system] is carried on, to furnish to it information regarding the construction, installation or operation of such establishment or of any disposal system or of any extension or addition thereto in such establishment and such other particulars as may be prescribed.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 10, for “industry or trade” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(1) A State Board or any officer empowered by it in this behalf shall have power to take for the purpose of analysis samples of water from any stream or well or samples of any sewage or trade effluent which is passing from any plant or vessel or from or over any place into any such stream or well.
(2) The result of any analysis of a sample of any sewage or trade effluent taken under sub-section (1) shall not be admissible in evidence in any legal proceeding unless the provisions of sub-sections (3), (4) and (5) are complied with.
(ii) in any other case, to the laboratory established or specified under sub-section (1) of section 52.
(5) When a sample of any sewage or trade effluent is taken for analysis under sub-section (1) and the person taking the sample serves on the occupier or his agent a notice under clause (a) of sub-section (3) and the occupier or his agent who is present at the time of taking the sample does not make a request for dividing the sample into two parts as provided in clause (b) of sub-section (3), then, the sample so taken shall be placed in a container which shall be marked and sealed and shall also be signed by the person taking the sample and the same shall be sent forthwith by such person for analysis to the laboratory referred to in sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (ii), as the case may be, of clause (d) of sub-section (3).
The sample must be lifted in accordance with the provisions of section 21 of the Act when only its analysis could be admissible in evidence; Delhi Bottling Co. Pvt. Ltd. v. C.P.C. Board, AIR 1986 Del 152.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 10, for sub-section (4).
(1) Where a sample of any sewage or trade effluent has been sent for analysis to the laboratory established or recognised by the Central Board or, as the case may be, the State Board, the concerned Board analyst appointed under sub-section (3) of section 53 shall analyse the sample and submit a report in the prescribed form of the result of such analysis in triplicate to the Central Board or the State Board as the case may be.
(2) On receipt of the report under sub-section (1), one copy of the report shall be sent by the Central Board or the State Board, as the case may be, to the occupier or his agent referred to in section 21, another copy shall be preserved for production before the court in case any legal proceedings are taken against him and the other copy shall be kept by the concerned Board.
(3) Where a sample has been sent for analysis under clause (e) of sub-section (3) or sub-section (4) of section 21 to any laboratory mentioned therein, the Government analyst referred to in that sub-section shall analyse the sample and submit a report in the prescribed form of the result of the analysis in triplicate to the Central Board or, as the case may be, the State Board which shall comply with the provisions of sub-section (2).
(4) If there is any inconsistency or discrepancy between, or variation in the results of, the analysis carried out by the laboratory established or recognised by the Central Board or the State Board, as the case may be, and that of the laboratory established or specified under section 51 or section 52, as the case may be, the report of the latter shall prevail.
(5) Any cost incurred in getting any sample analysed at the request of the occupier or his agent shall be payable by such occupier or his agent and in case of default the same shall be recoverable from him as arrears of land revenue or of public demand.
The concerned Board analyst is bound to analyse the sample sent to him and to submit a report of the result of analysis to the concerned Board. The concerned Board is required to send a copy of the report to the occupier or his agent. If there is any inconsistency or discrepancy or variation, in the results of the analysis carried out by different laboratories, the report of laboratory established or specified under section 51, or, as the case may be, section 52, shall prevail.
Provided that the right to enter under this sub-section for the inspection of a well shall be exercised only at reasonable hours in a case where such well is situated in any premises used for residential purposes and the water thereof is used exclusively for domestic purposes.
(2) The provisions of 1[the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], or, in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the provisions of any corresponding law in force in that State, shall, so far as may be, apply to any search or seizure under this section as they apply to any search or seizure made under the authority of a warrant issued under 2[section 94] of the said Code, or, as the case may be, under the corresponding provisions of the said law.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “place” includes vessel.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 11, for “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)”.
2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 11, for “section 98”.
(b) no person shall knowingly cause or permit to enter into any stream any other matter which may tend, either directly or in combination with similar matters, to impede the proper flow of the water of the stream in a manner leading or likely to lead to a substantial aggravation of pollution due to other causes or of its consequences.
(d) causing or permitting, with the consent of the State Board, the deposit accumulated in a well, pond or reservoir to enter into any stream.
(3) The State Government may, after consultation with, or on the recommendation of, the State Board, exempt, by notification in the Official Gazette, any person from the operation of sub-section (1) subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the notification and any condition so specified may by a like notification be altered, varied or amended.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 11, for “stream or well” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
Where immediately before the commencement of this Act any person was discharging any sewage or trade effluent into a 1[stream or well or sewer or on land], the provisions of section 25 shall, so far as may be, apply in relation to such person as they apply in relation to the person referred to in that section subject to the modification that the application for consent to be made under sub-section (2) of that section 2[shall be made on or before such date as may be specified by the State Government by notification in this behalf in the Official Gazette].
2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 13, for certain words.
(3) Any condition imposed under section 25 or section 26 shall be subject to any variation made under sub-section (2) and shall continue in force until revoked under that sub-section.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 13, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 14, for sub-section (2).
3. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 13, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
Provided that the appellate authority may entertain the appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days if such authority is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal in time.
(3) The form and manner in which an appeal may be preferred under sub-section (1), the fees payable for such appeal and the procedure to be followed by the appellate authority shall be such as may be prescribed.
(4) On receipt of an appeal preferred under sub-section (1), the appellate authority shall, after giving the appellant and the State Board an opportunity of being heard, dispose of the appeal as expeditiously as possible.
(b) where the appeal is in respect of the unreasonableness of any variation of a condition, such authority may direct either that the condition shall be treated as continuing in force unvaried or that it shall be varied in such manner as appears to it to be reasonable.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 15, for sub-section (2).
Provided that the State Government shall not pass any order under this sub-section without affording the State Board and the person who may be affected by such order a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
(2) The State Government shall not revise any order made under section 25, section 26, or section 27 where an appeal against that order lies to the appellate authority, but has not been preferred or where an appeal has been preferred such appeal is pending before the appellate authority.
Revision lies against an order which has been made by the State Board under section 25, section 26 or section 27, to the State Government. No period of limitation is prescribed for filing a revision application. Revision is not a right given to a party but is only a power conferred on the authority, which that authority may or may not exercise on the facts and circumstances of the case; Balkishan v. Union of India, (1994) 3 SLJ (CAT) 440.
(2) If the person concerned fails to execute the work as required in the notice referred to in sub-section (1), then, after the expiration of the time specified in the said notice, the State Board may itself execute or cause to be executed such work.
(3) All expenses incurred by the State Board for the execution of the aforesaid work, together with interest, at such rate as the State Government may, by order, fix, from the date when a demand for the expenses is made until it is paid, may be recovered by that Board from the person concerned, as arrears of land revenue, or of public demand.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 14, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(2) Where any local authority operates any sewerage system or sewage works, the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to such local authority as they apply in relation to the person in charge of the place where any industry or trade is being carried on..
(c) issuing orders immediately restraining or prohibiting the person concerned from discharging any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter 3[into the stream or well or on land] or from making insanitary use of the stream or well.
(2) The power conferred by sub-section (1) does not include the power to construct any works other than works of a temporary character which are removed on or before the completion of the operations.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 16, for “any stream or well” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 16, for “stream or well” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
3. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 16, for “into the stream or well” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(2) On receipt of an application under sub-section (1) the court may make such order as it deems fit.
(ii) authorise the Board, if the direction under clause (i) (being a direction for the removal of any matter from such stream or well) is not complied with by the person to whom such direction is issued, to undertake the removal and disposal of the matter in such manner as may be specified by the court.
(4) All expenses incurred by the Board in removing any matter in pursuance of the authorisation under clause (ii) of sub-section (3) or in the disposal of any such matter may be defrayed out of any money obtained by the Board from such disposal and any balance outstanding shall be recoverable from the person concerned as arrears of land revenue or of public demand.
Where it is apprehended by a Board that the water in any stream or well is likely to be polluted by reason of the disposal or likely disposal of any matter in such stream or well or in any sewer or on any land, or otherwise, the Board can make an application to a court, not inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class, for restraining the person who is likely to cause such pollution from so causing.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 17, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
1[33A. Power to give directions.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, but subject to the provisions of this Act, and to any directions that the Central Government may give in this behalf, a Board may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Act, issue any directions in writing to any person, officer or authority, and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with such directions.
1. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 18 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make in each financial year such contributions to the Central Board as it may think necessary to enable the Board to perform its functions under this Act.
The State Government may, after due appropriation made by the Legislature of the State by law in this behalf, make in each financial year such contributions to the State Board as it may think necessary to enable that Board to perform its functions under this Act.
(1) The Central Board shall have its own fund, and all sums which may, from time to time, be paid to it by the Central Government and all other receipts (by way of gifts, grants, donations, benefactions 1[fees] or otherwise) of that Board shall be carried to the fund of the Board and all payments by the Board shall be made therefrom.
(2) The Central Board may expend such sums as it thinks fit for performing its functions under this Act, 2[and, where any law for the time being in force relating to the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution provides for the performance of any function under such law by the Central Board, also for performing its functions under such law] and such sums shall be treated as expenditure payable out of the fund of the Board.
1. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 16. 2. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 16.
(1) The State Board shall have its own fund, and the sums which may, from time to time, be paid to it by the State Government and all other receipts (by way of gifts, grants, donations, benefactions 1[fees] or otherwise) of that Board shall be carried to the fund of the Board and all payments by the Board shall be made therefrom.
(2) The State Board may expend such sums as it thinks fit for performing its functions under this Act, 1[and, where any law for the time being in force relating to the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution provides for the performance of any function under such law by the State Board, also for performing its functions under such law] and such sums shall be treated as expenditure payable out of the fund of that Board.
1. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 17.
1. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 19 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
The Central Board or, as the case may be, the State Board shall, during each financial year, prepare, in such form and at such time as may be prescribed, a budget in respect of the financial year next ensuing showing the estimated receipt and expenditure, and copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government.
1[39. Annual report.—(1) The Central Board shall, during each financial year, prepare, in such form as may be prescribed, an annual report giving full account of its activities under this Act during the previous financial year and copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Central Government within four months from the last date of the previous financial year and that Government shall cause every such report to be laid before both Houses of Parliament within nine months from the last date of the previous financial year.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 20, for section 39 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
(1) Every Board shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed by the Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government.
(2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by an auditor duly qualified to act as an auditor of companies under section 226 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956).
(3) The said auditor shall be appointed by the Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government on the advice of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(4) Every auditor appointed to audit the accounts of the Board under this Act shall have the right to demand the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect any of the offices of the Board.
(5) Every such auditor shall send a copy of his report together with an audited copy of the accounts to the Central Government or, as case may be, the State Government.
(6) The Central Government shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of the audit report under sub-section (5), cause the same to be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
(7) The State Government shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of the audit report under sub-section (5), cause the same to be laid before the State Legislature.
1[41. Failure to comply with directions under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 20, or orders issued under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 32 or directions issued under sub-section (2) of section 33 or section 33A.—(1) Whoever fails to comply with the direction given under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 20 within such time as may be specified in the direction shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both and in case the failure continues, with an additional fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such failure continues after the conviction for the first such failure.
(2) Whoever fails to comply with any order issued under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 32 or any direction issued by a court under sub-section (2) of section 33 or any direction issued under section 33A shall, in respect of each such failure and on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year and six months but which may extend to six years and with fine, and in case the failure continues, with an additional fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such failure continues after the conviction for the first such failure.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 21, for section 41 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to 1[ten thousand rupees] or with both.
(2) Where for the grant of a consent in pursuance of the provisions of section 25 or section 26 the use of meter or gauge or other measure or monitoring device is required and such device is used for the purposes of those provisions, any person who knowingly or wilfully alters or interferes with that device so as to prevent it from monitoring or measuring correctly shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to 1[ten thousand rupees] or with both.
Whoever (i) destroys, pulls down, removes, injures or defaces, any pillar, post or stake fixed in the ground or any notice or other matter put up, inscribed or placed by or under the authority of the Board, or (ii) obstructs any person acting under the orders or directions of the Board from exercising his powers and performing his functions, or (iii) damages any work or property belonging to the Board, or (iv) fails to furnish any information required by the Board, or (v) fails to intimate the occurrence of any accident or other unforeseen act or event to the Board or (vi) knowingly or wilfully makes a statement which is false, shall be punishable with imprisonment upto three months, or with fine upto ten thousand rupees, or with both.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 22, for “one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 24 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 1[one year and six months] but which may extend to six years and with fine.
Contravention of the provisions of section 24 regarding prohibition on use of stream or well for disposal of polluting matter, etc., is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year and six months but which may extend to six years and with fine.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 23, for “six months” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 25 or section 26 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 1[one year and six months] but which may extend to six years and with fine.
Contravention of (i) section 25 regarding restrictions on new outlets and new discharges; or (ii) section 26 regarding existing discharge of sewage or trade effluents, is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year and six months but which may extend to six years and with fine.
Provided that for the purpose of this section no cognizance shall be taken of any conviction made more than two years before the commission of the offence which is being punished.
If any person has been convicted for any offence under section 24 relating to prohibition on use of stream or well for disposal of polluting matter, etc., or under section 25 relating to restrictions on new outlets and new discharges or under section 26 relating to existing discharge of sewage or trade effluent and is again found guilty of an offence involving a contravention of the same provisions, he shall, or the second and on every subsequent conviction be punishable with imprisonment of not less than two year but which may extend to seven years and with fine.
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 24, for “one year” (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
Contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or failure to comply with any order or direction given under the Act, for which no penalty has been elsewhere provided in this Act, is punishable with imprisonment upto three months or with fine upto ten thousand rupees, or with both. Continuing contravention or failure is punishable with an additional fine upto five thousand rupees for day during which such contravention or failure continues after first conviction.
1. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 25 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
If any person convicted of an offence under this Act commits a like offence afterwards it shall be lawful for the court before which the second or subsequent conviction takes place to cause the offender’s name and place of residence, the offence and the penalty imposed to be published at the offender’s expense in such newspapers or in such other manner as the court may direct and the expenses of such publication shall be deemed to be part of the cost attending the conviction and shall be recoverable in the same manner as a fine.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(b) “director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.
(b) he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.
(b) any neglect on his part.
(ii) The non-obstante clause with which a section (or sub-section) starts should be given its due meaning; Rashid Khan alias Rashid v. State of Rajasthan, (1994) 3 Crimes 313 (Raj).
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of the Department liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.
Where any Department of the Government commits an offence under this Act, the Head of that Department shall be liable to be prosecuted and punished accordingly. However, in his defence, he may prove that (i) the offence was committed without his knowledge; or (ii) he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.
3[(3)] Notwithstanding anything contained in section 4[29 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], it shall be lawful for any 4[Judicial Magistrate of the first class or for any Metropolitan Magistrate] to pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding two years or of fine exceeding two thousand rupees on any person convicted of an offence punishable under this Act.
It is not necessary for the Magistrate to specifically state that he is taking cognizance of the offence; R. Rajendra Reddy v. Sujaya Feeds, (1994) 3 Crimes 692 (Kant).
1. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 26, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
2. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 26 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
3. Sub-section (2) re-numbered as sub-section (3) by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 26 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
4. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 19, for certain words.
All members, officers and servants of a Board when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
(b) specify any laboratory or institute as a Central Water Laboratory, to carry out the functions entrusted to the Central Water Laboratory under this Act.
(c) such other matters as may be necessary or expedient to enable that laboratory to carry out its functions.
(b) specify any laboratory or institute as a State Water Laboratory, to carry out the functions entrusted to the State Water Laboratory under this Act.
(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit and having the prescribed qualifications to be Government analysts for the purpose of analysis of samples of water or of sewage or trade effluent sent for analysis to any laboratory established or specified under sub-section (1) of section 51.
(2) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit and having the prescribed qualifications to be Government analysts for the purpose of analysis of samples of water or of sewage or trade effluent sent for analysis to any laboratory established or specified under sub-section (1) of section 52.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 12, the Central Board or, as the case may be, the State Board may, by notification in the Official Gazette, and with the approval of the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, appoint such persons as it thinks fit and having the prescribed qualifications to be Board analysts for the purpose of analysis of samples of water or of sewage or trade effluent sent for analysis to any laboratory established or recognised under section 16, or, as the case may be, under section 17.
Any document purporting to be a report signed by a Government analyst or, as the case may be, a Board analyst may be used as evidence of the facts stated therein in any proceeding under this Act.
All local authorities shall render such help and assistance and furnish such information to the Board as it may require for the discharge of its functions, and shall make available to the Board for inspection and examination such records, maps, plans and other documents as may be necessary for the discharge of its functions.
Any land required by a State Board for the efficient performance of its functions under this Act shall be deemed to be needed for a public purpose and such land shall be acquired for the State Board under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894), or under any other corresponding law for the time being in force.
The Central Board shall furnish to the Central Government, and a State Board shall furnish to the State Government and to the Central Board such reports, returns, statistics, accounts and other information with respect to its fund or activities as that Government, or, as the case may be, the Central Board may, from time to time, require.
No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter which an appellate authority constituted under this Act is empowered by or under this Act to determine, and no injunction shall be granted by any court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or under this Act.
No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government or any officer of Government or any member or officer of a Board in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or the rules made thereunder.
The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment other than this Act.
Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section for the reasons mentioned in clause (a), the Central Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the Central Board or such Joint Board, as the case may be, to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanations and objections, if any, of the Central Board or such Joint Board, as the case may be.
(c) all property owned or controlled by the Central Board or such Joint Board shall, until the Central Board or the Joint Board, as the case may be, is reconstituted under sub-section (3) vest in the Central Government.
Provided that the Central Government may at any time before the expiration of the period of supersession, whether originally specified under sub-section (1) or as extended under this sub-section, take action under clause (b) of this sub-section.
The Government action must not be arbitrary or capricious but must be based on some principle which meets the test of reason and relevance; Ram Chandra Swami v. State of Rajasthan, (1994) 3 SLJ 45 (Raj FB).
Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section for the reasons mentioned in clause (a), the State Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the State Board to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanations and objections, if any, of the State Board.
(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the State Board, the provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 61 shall apply in relation to the supersession of the State Board as they apply in relation to the supersession of the Central Board or a Joint Board by the Central Government.
Provided that when the Central Board has been constituted, no such rule shall be made, varied, amended or repealed without consulting the Board.
(o) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed.
(3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, 5[before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid], both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.
Once statutory rules have been made, the executive power of the Government could be exercised only to fill in the gaps but not otherwise; Ram Dulari v. Union of India, (1994) 3 SLJ (CAT) 549.
1. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 20, for clause (d).
2. Clauses (h) and (i) omitted by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 20.
3. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 27, for clause (l) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
4. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 27 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
5. Subs. by Act 44 of 1978, sec 20, for certain words.
Provided that when the State Board has been constituted, no such rule shall be made, varied, amended or repealed without consulting that Board.
(p) any other matter which has to be, or may be, prescribed.
No rule made under this section can have retrospective effect; Baidyanath Bandhopadhyay v. Union of India, (1994) 3 SLJ (CAT) 378.
1. Ins. by Act 44 of 1978, sec. 21.
2. Subs. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 28, for clause (n) (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
3. Ins. by Act 53 of 1988, sec. 28 (w.e.f. 29-9-1988).
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