HC Grants Interim Relief to Trident Group ; PPCB Assures No Coercive Action for 3 Days
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 1, 2026:
In a significant interim relief to Trident Limited, the Punjab Pollution Control Board on Friday assured the Punjab and Haryana High Court that no coercive action will be taken against the company for the next three days.
The assurance came during an urgent hearing on a writ petition filed by the Group challenging recent inspection and enforcement actions at its Barnala unit.
Click the link to read petition copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tICJQd-OZJoS8NYhBf7TcEPK3VcyQrct/view?usp=sharing
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In its plea, Trident submitted that the actions of the authorities were arbitrary and in violation of due process, and sought directions to restrain the respondents from taking any coercive steps without following the prescribed procedure, including issuance of prior notice and opportunity of hearing.
The petition further prayed for quashing of the impugned actions and for protection against any punitive measures that could disrupt the functioning of the industrial unit.
Appearing for the company, senior advocate Manisha Gandhi argued that the applicable norms require prior notice before inspections and alleged that the action lacked procedural fairness. The company has also termed the action as “unfortunate and politically motivated.”
On the other hand, senior advocate D. S. Patwalia, appearing for the board, submitted before the court that no coercive steps would be initiated for the time being, which was recorded by the bench.
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court issued a notice of motion to the Punjab Government and the PPCB, seeking their response. The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 4, 2026.