SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Before:- G.B. Pattanaik and M.B. Shah, JJ.

In W.P. (C) No. 3727 of 1985 with I.A. No. 103 with SLP (C) No. 16935 of 98 with I.A. No. 106. D/d. 14.12.1999.

M.C. Mehta - Petitioner

Versus

Union of India and others - Respondents

Environment and Pollution - Contempt of Courts Act - River Ganga - No affidavit filed by the State of Bihar - Contempt notice to the Chief Secretary to the State of Bihar as well as Secretary, Deptt. of Irrigation, State of Bihar.

[Para 1]

JUDGMENT

1. Notwithstanding several adjournments being given and even the standing counsel for the State of Bihar having been served with notice, no affidavit has been filed by the State of Bihar. Issue notice of contempt to the Chief Secretary to the State of Bihar as well as Secretary, Deptt. of Irrigation, State of Bihar, to appear in person and show cause as to why they shall not be duly punished for not even filing their response to the notice issued by this Court.

2. The prayer made by the State of West Bengal for four weeks time in view of the instructions received from the Government to file a detailed affidavit as to the action taken by them, is allowed.

3. So far as the State of Utter Pradesh is concerned, the affidavit indicates that the steps taken are in respect of 11 towns and not about other towns through which the River Ganga passes. The State of U.P. is directed to file a further affidavit indicating the steps taken by other towns within the same period of four weeks from today.

4. Put up this matter after six weeks.

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