What are the offences and punishments under air pollution laws?

Last updated on Jun 17, 2022

 

Crime Law Punishment
Causing air pollution beyond air quality limits The law bans industries from releasing any air pollutants more than the limits the State Pollution Control Board has laid down.1 If they do, the person in-charge of the establishment has to immediately notify the State Pollution Control Board2 and they have to pay for any corrective measures that the agencies undertake to reduce the impact of such harmful emissions3 as per the polluter pays principle.   The concerned State Pollution Control Board can make an application to a  Court (not below a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class) for restraining the offender from emitting the air pollutant.4

The polluter will have to reimburse the costs (plus interest the State departments have to bear to control the pollution.

An industrial plant is set up or operated without proper permission It is a crime for an industrial plant to set up or operate without the proper permissions from the State Pollution Control Board5 or exceed the allowed emission limits1 or the proper pollution control equipment.6 The punishment is jail time of  one and half years to six years, along with a fine.7 If the violation continues, then an added fine of Rs. 5,000 (maximum) can also be imposed for each day it continues. 

If such failure continues for more than a year, then the offender can be punished with jail time for two to seven years, with fine.8

Use of vehicle in unsafe condition If a vehicle is driven in a public place, which violates the standards laid down in relation to noise and air pollution, it is a punishable offence.9 The punishment is a fine of Rs. 1,000 for a first offence and Rs. 2,000 for a second offence.  
Violation of PUC(Pollution Under Control) Certificate  A person using a motor vehicle will be fined if they are not carrying a valid PUC (Pollution under Control) certificate issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. The punishment is a fine of Rs. 10,000.10
Environmental pollution: pollution of air, water or land Violation of any provision of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 i.e pollution of air, water or land or any harm to the environment is a crime. The punishment is jail time upto 5 years along with a fine that may extend to Rs. 1,00,000. Continued failure to comply with the law will lead to an additional fine of Rs. 5,000 for every day of non-compliance.11
Releasing of harmful pollutants  into the environment Releasing harmful pollutants into the environment forms part of the offence of public nuisance12 as they make the air toxic and are injurious to the health of people. Even smoking in public places is considered to be a crime of public nuisance.13 The  punishment is a fine of Rs. 500.14 
Engaging in activities that are harmful to the health and physical comfort of the community  Operating industries and other processes that release air pollutants causing harmful health issues as well as discomfort to the people is an offence. This includes any conduct of any such trade or business that is harmful and causes imminent danger to the health of the people and threatens their physical discomfort. A Magistrate can pass an order15 for removal of nuisance to stop such activities.

 

  1. Section 22, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[][]
  2. Section 23, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  3. Section 23(3), Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  4. Section 22A, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  5. Section 21, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  6. Section 31A, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  7. Section 37, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  8. Section 37(2), Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.[]
  9. Section 190(2), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.[]
  10. Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.[]
  11.  Section 15, Environmental Protection Act, 1986.[]
  12. Ratlam Municipality v. Vardhi Chandra, 1980 AIR 1622.[]
  13. K Ramkrishnan v. the State of Kerala, AIR 1999 Ker 385.[]
  14. Section 290, Indian Penal Code, 1860.[]
  15. Section 133, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.[]

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Related Resources

What are the sources and effects of air pollution?

Air pollution is associated with many sectors, which include power, transport, industry, residential, construction, and agriculture.

Who are the authorities under the air pollution laws?

The Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Boards have been set up under the law to monitor air pollution in India.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is the presence of dust, fumes, gas, mist, odor, smoke or vapour, in the atmosphere, in quantities that can cause injury to human, plant or animal life or harm the environment.

Who can you complain to about a grievance under air pollution law?

You can complain to the Police, Central and State Pollution Control Boards, Courts and the National Green Tribunal.

What is Noise Pollution?

Noise is common in everyday life, but when it goes above a certain limit, it is considered to be pollution as well as a public nuisance.

What is the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme?

The Central Pollution Control Board established the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) to track air quality.