Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 · Chapter IV: Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
Section 31A: Power to give directions
[31A. Power to give directions.— Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, but subject to the provisions of this Act, and to any directions that the Central Government may give in this behalf, a Board may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Act, issue any directions in writing to any person, officer or authority, and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with such directions.
Explanation.—For the avoidance of doubts, it is hereby declared that the power to issue directions under this section includes the power to direct—
(a) the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or
(b) the stoppage or regulation of supply of electricity, water or any other service.]
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 14 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 31A
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M/S Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd. v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.
Issue arose as regards the order passed by the National Green Tribunal imposing a compensation of ₹18 crores on the appellant for alleged environmental violations; and whether the tribunal adhered to fair procedure…
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Delhi Pollution Control Committee v. Lodhi Property Co. Ltd. Etc.
Whether the regulatory boards can, in exercise of powers u/s.33A of the Water Act and s.31A of the Air Act, impose and collect as restitutionary and compensatory damages fixed sums of monies or require furnishing bank…
- Goa Foundation v. Union of India & Ors.
- Bhag Singh and Ors. v. State of Punjab and Ors.
- M.C. Mehta Etc. Etc. v. Union of India and Others Etc. Etc.