7 months ago
HC Directs Punjab Kesari to NGT in Hotel Pollution Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court told the owners of the Punjab Kesari newspaper to go to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) instead of the court for a case about their hotel, Park Plaza, in Jalandhar.
The court said the hotel was polluting and gave the owners one week to fix the problem.
The hotel was found to be dumping dirty water and not treating waste properly.
The court said the pollution board had the right to take emergency action to protect the environment.
The owners wanted the court to stop the pollution board's actions, but the court said they should go to the NGT instead.
The court also allowed the hotel to keep operating for one more week while the owners decide what to do next.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed The Hind Samachar Limited to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for a case against their hotel, Park Plaza, in Jalandhar.
The court extended the status quo for the hotel for one week, till January 30, 2026, to allow the petitioners to seek further legal remedies.
The PPCB found several pollution violations at the hotel, including non-operational sewage and effluent treatment plants, and untreated waste water discharge.
The court upheld the PPCB's action, stating that the board was entitled to act under its emergency powers to prevent grave injury to the environment.
The court rejected the petitioners' argument that they were denied natural justice, stating that providing an opportunity to file objections in an emergent situation would defeat the purpose of the board's emergency powers.
- Who
- The Hind Samachar Limited (owners of Punjab Kesari newspaper) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB)
- What
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the petitioners to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in a case challenging PPCB action against their luxury hotel, Park Plaza, in Jalandhar
- Where
- Jalandhar, Punjab
- When
- The court extended the status quo for one week, till January 30, 2026
- Why
- The PPCB found several pollution violations at the hotel, including non-operational sewage and effluent treatment plants, and untreated waste water discharge
Key facts
- Petitioner
- The Hind Samachar Limited (owners of Punjab Kesari newspaper)
- Respondent
- Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB)
- Hotel Name
- Park Plaza, Jalandhar
- Date of Inspection
- January 13, 2026
- Date of Power Disconnection Order
- January 14, 2026
- Status Quo Extension
- One week, till January 30, 2026
- Legal Remedy
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Key Violations
- Non-operational sewage treatment plant, untreated waste water discharge, inadequate hazardous waste management, non-functional effluent treatment plant, lack of proper records
Quotes
Punjab and Haryana High Court
The judicial body that issued the directive in the case.
“Where the Board is of the opinion that in view of the likelihood of a grave injury to the environment it is not expedient to provide an opportunity to file objections against the direction, it may for reasons to be recorded in writing, issue direction without providing such opportunity.”
indianexpress.com
“This argument is heard to be rejected on the ground that if opportunity was given in an emergent situation, then the very purpose of vesting the Board with emergent powers would stand defeated.”
indianexpress.com
