National Green Tribunal Halts Rs 1 Crore Fine Imposed on Reliance Industries by CPCB

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has put a stay on the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Rs 1 crore fine on Reliance Industries Ltd. This fine was for not installing vapour recovery systems at fuel stations in the National Capital Region. The tribunal sought further clarification, delaying the penalty enforcement.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has paused the Rs 1 crore fine imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Reliance Industries Ltd for failing to install vapour recovery systems at its fuel stations and storage terminals in the National Capital Region.

The vapour recovery system is essential for capturing vapours displaced during the refueling process. An NGT mandate from October 2018 required oil marketing companies to install these systems. Reliance Industries had appealed against the CPCB's June 13 direction to pay the fine within 15 days, citing an extended timeline granted by the Supreme Court for public sector oil companies.

The NGT highlighted that no show cause notice was issued before directing the payment, which the company argued violated principles of parity and natural justice. The CPCB counsel requested four weeks to present the factual position, and the tribunal scheduled further consideration for September 20.

(With inputs from agencies.)