COSIA had filed an Appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the unilateral action initiated by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) against its members. The MPCB had issued notices for recovery of Environmental Compensation. The Compensation was for Rs.1 crore for LSI, Rs.50 lakhs for MSI and Rs.25 lakhs for SSI. The action on the part of the MPCB was in pursuance to the orders of the NGT in O.A. No.1038 of 2018.

The said Appeal was heard on 18.03.2020, wherein the Hon’ble Supreme Court was pleased to stay the orders of the NGT.

The Appeal was listed for final hearing 25.02.2022. The Hon’ble Supreme Court after hearing the parties was pleased to dispose of the Appeals by passing necessary directions. 

The Hon’ble Supreme Court directed that COSIA can, if on the basis of the collected data from the affected MSMEs, feel that they should intervene in the proceedings before the NGT, shall file an application to that effect and point out the lacunae and thereafter the NGT will decide the applications on its own merits.

COSIA had convened an urgent meeting of Industry Associations who were represented by COSIA in the said appeal as well as other Industry Associations whose members were affected by the said NGT order to decide on the future course of action. In this meeting it was decided that COSIA will pursue the matter as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.