ISSUE:
Whether industries discharging untreated effluents into the Ganga can continue to operate without adequate pollution control measures?
Whether the State Pollution Control Board has the power to order closure of industries failing to comply with environmental regulations?
Whether industries that have not installed primary effluent treatment plants can be permitted to function?
Whether failure to deposit the required contribution towards pollution control measures warrants closure of industrial units?
RULE:
Industries cannot discharge untreated effluents into water bodies; installing and operating effluent treatment plants is a mandatory obligation.
The Pollution Control Board has the authority to order closure of industries that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
The right to carry on business is not absolute and is subject to compliance with pollution control laws to prevent environmental degradation.