Punjab Pollution Control Board reverses decision on closure of Zira liquor factory
Zira, May 15: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court provided relief to the owners of the Zira liquor factory during today's hearing.
The court ordered that the state government must provide the factory with an opportunity to present its case before any decision is made. Consequently, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has withdrawn its previous order that prohibited the cumin liquor factory from operating.
Also Read: Several students injured after school bus rams into PRTC bus in Punjab's Ludhiana
Reprimand from the Chief Justice's Bench Leads to Withdrawal
Following a reprimand from the Chief Justice's bench, the Punjab Pollution Control Board decided to withdraw its orders. The factory owners voiced their grievances, alleging that despite the High Court's directives, they were denied clearance under the Water Prevention and Pollution Control Act. Furthermore, their petition on the matter was not given a fair chance for a hearing.
Punjab Government Given a Two-Week Deadline
The High Court has directed the Punjab government to issue a formal order within two weeks after carefully considering the factory's side of the case. The court emphasized that the reports from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Punjab Pollution Control Board should be taken into account during the decision-making process. The factory owners expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that despite the favorable report, they were unjustly prohibited from resuming factory operations.
Factory Files Fresh Petition Against Ignoring High Court Orders
Malbros Liquor Factory in Zira has lodged a fresh petition in the High Court, alleging that the government has ignored previous court orders and continues to hinder their factory operations.
The factory owners voiced their protest against the denial of permission to operate their facility. Back in March, upon the factory's initial petition, the High Court had instructed the Punjab government to issue an order within two weeks after considering their appeal.
Also Read: Power shocker for Punjab consumers as tariff goes up; know details
- PTC NEWS
