India's Supreme Court Shuts Down Non-Compliant Industries Amid Pollution Concerns

The Supreme Court of India has directed the closure of non-compliant industries in the natural gas supply case, prioritizing environmental concerns over industrial operations. The court emphasized the need for compliance with gas supply directives to mitigate pollution in the Taj Trapezium area.

The case involved an application by GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) seeking reliefs related to the supply of natural gas to industries in Agra. However, despite previous directives to commence gas supply by June 1997 and complete it by December 1998, only 115 out of 168 consumers had contacted GAIL for gas supply by the end of 1998.

The court issued notices to non-compliant industries, including 53 cupola-based iron foundries, and mandated that they comply with gas supply directives effective from September 15, 1999. The court also directed the closure of non-compliant industries immediately.