The Supreme Court stays the action ordered by NGT against the Ghaziabad local body

The Bench was hearing appeals filed by the Executive Officer of Dasna Nagar Panchayat against the order of NGT.

The case concerned a sewage treatment plant that would be located at a pond that had been contaminated by the alleged dumping of waste.

The NGT found that the plant was not fully functioning and imposed a fine based on alleged violations of the Water Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution).

The local body told the High Court that the plant was completed despite real technical and financial obstacles it faced.

It was also pointed out that the panchayat plays a very minimal role in approving and setting up sewage treatment plants.

But the tribunal failed to appreciate the efforts and systemic challenges faced by the nagar panchayat and proceeded to impose the punishment, it was argued.

It was further submitted that the impugned order was violative of the principle of natural justice and was a disproportionate measure.