Supreme Court Rebukes States for Pollution Control Board Vacancies

In a stern reprimand, the Supreme Court on Thursday criticized the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan for their inaction in filling vacancies within state pollution control boards. The apex court described the situation as a 'sorry state of affairs' that undermines environmental governance.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed shock upon discovering a staggering 55 percent vacancy rate within the Delhi pollution control committee, effectively rendering the body 'virtually defunct.' The court's dissatisfaction was rooted in the non-compliance with an August 2024 order demanding the vacancies be filled by April this year.

The Supreme Court has issued contempt notices to the chief secretaries of the implicated states, mandating explanations for their failure under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Delhi chief secretary has been summonsed for an in-person appearance in court, while representatives from the other states are required to attend virtually.

(With inputs from agencies.)