EPA / OFFENCES AND PENALTIES/ Offences by individuals
Offences by individuals
There are certain responsibilities and requirements of industries, operations and processes that are specified by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These would apply to persons carrying on industry operation or processes.
If these responsibilities are not complied with, then that is considered an offence of the Environment Protection Act.
Some examples of these are:
Contravening the provisions of the EP Act
If someone fails to comply with or contravenes any of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, or its Rules or Orders or Directions, he or she shall be punished for each such contravention. The flouting or infringement of any of the provisions of the EP Act is considered a punishable offence.
Section 15
Discharge environmental pollutants in excess of standards
No person carrying on any industry, operation or process is permitted to discharge or emit or permit to be discharged or emitted any environmental pollutant in excess of the standards prescribed.
Section 7
Not rendering assistance to government officials
Every person carrying on any industry, operation, or process or handling any hazardous substance shall be bound to render all assistance to the person empowered by the Central Government under sub-section (1) for carrying out the functions under that sub-section and if he fails to do so without any reasonable cause or excuse, he shall be guilty of an offence under the Act
Section 10.2
Delaying and obstructing government officials
If any person willfully delays or obstructs any person empowered by the Central Government under sub-section (1) in the performance of his functions, he shall be guilty of an offence under the Act
Section 10.3