Fake Pollution Certificates Case - Central Pollution Control Board
Summary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi heard two original applications concerning fake pollution trading certificates unearthed in three Indian states. The matter involves the Central Pollution Control Board and various state pollution control boards. The hearing was adjourned due to unpreparedness of counsel, with final arguments scheduled for March 27, 2026.
What changed
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is addressing two original applications (OA No. 993/2024 and OA No. 926/2024) related to the discovery of "6 Lakh Fake Pollution -Trading Certificates" in three states, as reported by The Hindu on July 14, 2024. The cases also reference a news item titled "Package Where Has the Plastic Waste Disappeared" from The Times of India dated July 30, 2024. The respondents include the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and multiple state pollution control boards. The hearing on March 20, 2026, was adjourned because the lead counsel for the CPCB was unprepared, despite previous directions for the matter to be ready for final arguments.
This adjournment signifies a continued lack of preparedness from the regulatory bodies tasked with addressing significant environmental compliance failures. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in pollution control and waste management, should anticipate increased scrutiny and potential enforcement actions as the NGT moves towards final arguments. The focus on fake certificates suggests a need for robust internal compliance checks and verification processes to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and avoid penalties associated with fraudulent practices. The next hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026, indicating the ongoing nature of this enforcement action.
What to do next
- Review internal processes for obtaining and verifying pollution control certificates.
- Ensure all environmental compliance documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
- Prepare for potential increased scrutiny from environmental regulators.
Archived snapshot
Mar 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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News Item Titled "6 Lakh Fake Pollution ... vs Central Pollution Control Board & Ors on 20 March, 2026
Item Nos. 09&10 Court No. 1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI
Original Application No. 993/2024
News Item Titled "Package Where Has the Plastic Waste Disappeared"
Appearing in the Times of India Dated 30.07.2024
Versus
Central Pollution Control Board & Ors. Respondent(s)
With
Original Application No. 926/2024
News Item Titled "6 Lakh Fake Pollution -Trading Certificates Unearthed in
Three States" Appearing in the Hindu Dated 14.07.2024
Versus
Central Pollution Control Board & Ors. Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 20.03.2026
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRAKASH SHRIVASTAVA, CHAIRPERSON
HON'BLE DR. AFROZ AHMAD, EXPERT MEMBER
Respondents: Ms. Soni Singh, Adv. for CPC B in OA 993/2024 (Through VC)
Mr. Mohit Singhal, Adv. for CPC B in OA 926/2024
Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta & Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advocates for GNCTD
(Through VC)
Mr. Rahul Khurana, Advocate for the State of Haryana
Mr. Nishant Awana, Adv. for RSPCB (Through VC)
Mr. Raghav Shamra, Adv. for MP PCB (Through VC)
Ms. Sunita Sharma, Adv. for R - 36 & 37
Mr. Sameer Abhyankar, Advocate for the State of Sikkim (Through VC).
Mr. Akanksha Rathore & Ms. Mayuri Raghuvanshi, Advocates for State of
Punjab (Through VC)
ORDER 1. Learned counsel appearing for [the CPC](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/161831507/) B who has to advance the
lead arguments in this matter is not prepared today and has made a
request to adjourn the matter. The matter has been adjourned repeatedly
for hearing. On the previous date i.e. 26.08.2025 also we had directed the
counsel for the parties to prepare and argue the matter today, yet the
matter has not been prepared.
1
- In such circumstances, the case is adjourned with the direction to
the counsel for the parties to prepare it for final arguments and argue it on
the next date of hearing.
- List on 27.03.2026.
Prakash Shrivastava, CP
Dr. Afroz Ahmad, EM
March 20, 2026
Original Application No. 993/2024
Original Application No. 926/2024
A 2
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