Parties: The Managing Director M/s Bharat Rasayan Limited (Unit‑II) (Appellant) vs. Aditya Roop Singh Chauhan & Ors. (Respondent)
Court/Authority: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Hon'ble Chief Justice and Hon'ble Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Order Date: 26‑05‑2026
Relevant IA Applications: IA No. 158393/2024 (exemption from filing C/C of impugned judgment), IA No. 158394/2024 (exemption from filing O.T.), IA No. 158391/2024 (stay application)
Prior Order Referenced: Order dated 10.02.2026
Parties Involved
Appellant: Managing Director of Bharat Rasayan Limited (Unit‑II) (unnamed in the order)
Respondents: Aditya Roop Singh Chauhan & Ors.
Regulatory Authority: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB)
GPCB Representative: Member Secretary (unnamed)
Counsel for Appellant: Mr. Narendra Hooda (Sr. Adv.), Mr. Yuvraj Mandal, Ms. Radhika Vashisht, Mr. Sarthak Mogha, Mr. Kabir Singh, Mr. Prashant Rawat (AOR)
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Sarad Kumar Singhania (AOR) and a team of advocates including Ms. Archana Pathak Dave (A.S.G.), Mr. Gurmeet Singh Makker (AOR), Ms. Harshita Choubey, Mr. Praneet Pranav, Ms. Nachiketa Joshi, Ms. Rajeshwari Shankar, Mr. Rohan Gupta, Mr. Saurabh Mishra (AOR), Mr. Shrimay Mishra, Mr. Abhinav Pandey, Mr. Kapil Kaushik, Mr. Ravinder Singh, Ms. Aastha Mehta, Ms. Deepanwita Priyanka (AOR), Ms. Prerana Mohapatra, Ms. Prina Sharma (Adv.)
Issues / Allegations / Violations
The appellant sought exemptions from filing certain documents and a stay of proceedings, as reflected in the IA applications.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board filed an affidavit/compliance‑cum‑status report claiming it had prepared a comprehensive action plan for the scientific utilization of Rs 13.3 crore earmarked for environmental improvement and restoration.
The Board indicated that a detailed expenditure report would be submitted to the appropriate forum after completion of the works and utilization of the funds.
The Court noted the Board had not placed the said action plan on record, raising concerns about non‑disclosure.
Findings & Observations
The Court expressed that it does not wish to make adverse observations against the GPCB for the alleged non‑disclosure of the action plan.
However, the Court deemed it appropriate to require the Board to formally place the action plan and accompanying affidavit on record.
Penalties / Settlements / Directions
The Court directed the Member Secretary of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to place the action plan and affidavit on record within four weeks from the date of the order.
The Court stipulated that no further opportunity would be granted to the Board for additional submissions on this matter.
The matter was posted for further hearing on 07‑08‑2026.
Corrective Actions & Future Obligations
The GPCB must submit the detailed expenditure report after completion of the works and utilization of the Rs 13.3 crore funds.
The Board must ensure the action plan is formally recorded as directed, complying with the four‑week deadline.
Final Ruling & Enforcement
The order is effective immediately, mandating compliance by the GPCB within the stipulated timeframe.
Failure to comply may result in further judicial scrutiny at the subsequent hearing scheduled for 07‑08‑2026.
The Court’s direction aims to ensure transparency and proper utilization of the environmental improvement funds associated with Bharat Rasayan Limited’s operations.
