Sikkim High Court Suggests Periodical Inspection Of Companies To Check For Release Of Effluents Into Rivers
The Sikkim High Court has suggested the State to conduct periodical inspection of all companies including the existing pharma companies to check for release of effluents into rivers.
The Court was considering a Public Interest Litigation on the issue of discharge of effluents by pharma companies situated at Singtam (Sikkim).
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai observed, “One suggestion of this Court which, however, can be taken note of by the State Government is, notwithstanding the provisions as contained in the draft Bill, the competent authority of the State Government shall carry out periodic inspection of all companies including the existing pharma companies within the State of Sikkim in order to find out whether they are still actually discharging effluents or not.”
The Petitioner was represented by Amicus Curiae Sajal Sharma, while the Respondent was represented by Additional Advocate General Zangpo Sherpa.
The genesis of Public Interest Litigation related to discharge of effluents by pharma companies situated at Singtam (Sikkim). During the pendency of the matter, it was noticed that there were pharma companies situated in other parts of the State of Sikkim and as such they were also brought under the purview of this litigation. While dealing with the primary issue, it was subsequently noticed by the Court that these pharma companies were also extracting ground water — which is precious in Sikkim — even though surface water is available in abundance in this small Himalayan State.
The Court took note of the compliance report which revealed that a final draft of the Sikkim Springs and Groundwater (Regulation and Management) Bill, 2025, has been prepared and the same has been annexed to the compliance report.
It suggested the State Government should conduct periodical inspection of all companies including the existing pharma companies to check for release of effluents into rivers.
The PIL was accordingly disposed of.
Cause Title: In Re- Discharge Of Effluents By Pharma Companies Situated At Singtam
