SC Refuses Interim Relief to Piramal Pharma in Dahej Unit Closure
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant interim relief to Piramal Pharma in its challenge to the closure of its Dahej manufacturing unit, while directing the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to take a decision on the company's reopening plea within one week.
As per a recent media report by The Economic Times, the unit was shut after allegations surfaced that hazardous waste was discharged into a canal linked to the Narmada River, prompting Piramal Pharma to approach the apex court seeking immediate reopening of the facility.
The company operates a zero-liquid-discharge facility at Dahej, which manufactures hexafluoro-methoxypropane, an essential intermediate used in producing sevoflurane, an inhalation anaesthetic commonly used in surgical procedures worldwide.
Piramal Pharma had challenged the February 5 order of the Gujarat High Court, which refused to stay the closure, contending that the decision ignored fundamental principles of natural justice and was therefore legally untenable.
ET reports a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant stressed the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the case relates to the alleged dumping of hazardous waste into the Narmada River, a vital water source for the state and its population. The court advised the company to pursue remedies before the statutory authorities and the National Green Tribunal.
"This is about alleged dumping of hazardous waste in the Narmada River. This is a source of water for the state and its people,..You avail of your remedies before the statutory authorities and the green tribunal."
Thereafter, Piramal Pharma will be free to move the tribunal, which the apex court has instructed to hear and preferably dispose of the matter within two weeks, continuing the judicial process initiated by the company’s challenge to the closure of its Dahej facility.
