National Green Tribunal
Tribunal On Its Own Motion Suo Motu Base ... vs Karnataka State Pollution Control ... on 17 February, 2026
Item No.02:
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI
Tuesday, the 17th day of February 2026.
[Through Physical Hearing (Hybrid Option)]
Original Application No.33 of 2024(SZ)
[Earlier O.A. No.637 of 2023(PB)]
IN THE MATTER OF:
Tribunal on its own motion SUO MOTU
based on the News Item in 'The Hindu'
dated 09.10.2023 titled "Bengaluru
cracker godown blast: toll rises to 14;
three held".
And
1. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
Through its Member Secretary,
"Parisara Bhavana", No #49, Church Street,
Bengaluru - 560 001.
2. The Chief Secretary to Government of Karnataka
Room No.320, 3rd Floor,
Vidhanasoudha, Bengaluru - 560 001.
3. The Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate,
Bengaluru Urban District,
Kempegowda Road, Behind Kandaya Bhavana,
Bengaluru Urban Dritrict, Bengalauru - 560 009.
4. The Principal Secretary to Government of Karnataka,
Department of Commerce and Industry,
Room No.106, 1st Floor, Vikasa Soudha,
Bengaluru - 560 001.
5. M/s. Sree Balaji Traders.
Represented by it Proprietor,
Survey No.45/1, Attibele,
Bengaluru - 562 107.
6. Petroleum & Explosive Safety Organization (PESO)
Represented by its Joint Chief Controller Explosives.
A & D - Wing, Block 1-8, Secord Floor,
Shastri Bhavan, 26 Haddows Road,
Numgambakkam Chennai - 600 006.
[R6 Suo motu impleaded as per order dated 29.08.2025]
...Respondent(s)
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For Applicant(s): Suo Motu.
For Respondent(s): Mr. Mukesh Kumar for R1.
Mr. Rajat Jonathan Shaw represented
Mr. K.M. Darpan for R2 to R4.
Mrs. S. Indumathi Ravi for R6.
Judgment Reserved: 27th January, 2026.
CORAM:
HON'BLE Smt. JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE Dr. PRASHANT GARGAVA, EXPERT MEMBER
JUDGMENT
Delivered by Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member
1. This matter has been Suo Motu registered by the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal, New Delhi as Original Application No.637 of 2023 (PB) based on the news item reported in 'The Hindu' titled "Bengaluru cracker godown blast toll rises to 14 three held" dated 09.10.2023 which has been transferred to this Bench and renumbered as Original Application No.33 of 2024 (SZ).
2. Apparently, the shop-cum-godown was operating without obtaining the requisite permission from the State Pollution Control Board. The Petroleum Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), upon inspection, found that the unit was storing other chemicals for which it did not hold a valid license.
3. The notice sent by the Tribunal to the 5th Respondent, proprietor of the cracker unit M/s. Sree Balaji Traders, was returned with an endorsement stating "refused to Page 2 of 4 receive". Such refusal is deemed sufficient for service and the respondent is considered to have been served with the notice.
4. The memo dated 26.01.2026 was filed on behalf of the State of Karnataka through e-mail, submitting the following facts;
i. An FIR bearing Cr. No.417/2023 is registered against the accused persons at Attibele Police Station, Bengaluru, which is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department for offenses punishable under Sections 286, 304(2), 338 read with Sections 36 and 37 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, read with Section 9(B) and 12 of the Explosives Act, 1884.
ii. The matter is pending trial before the Hon'ble Additional District and Sessions Court, Anekal, as SC No.5005/2024. Status of SC No.5005/2024 corresponding to FIR No.417/2023.
iii. An Application under Section 10 read with Section 22 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 E.C.A. No.11/2024 is pending before the Ld. ACJM, Anekal, Bengaluru Rural District for grant of compensation. iv. Following the fire incident, the unit was completely dismantled and at present, a restaurant is operating at the place.
5. It is observed from the facts that the shop-cum- godown was operating without necessary permissions/licenses from the concerned authorities.
6. Subsequent to the fire incident, action has been initiated against the accused unit/persons and proceedings for grant of compensation in respect of the deceased have already been commenced. Further, the unit has been completely dismantled.
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7. In view of the above, as there is no environmental issue remains to be complied with, the Original Application [O.A. No.33 of 2024(SZ)] is disposed of.
Sd/-
Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, JM Sd/-
Dr. Prashant Gargava, EM Internet - Yes/No All India NGT Reporter - Yes/No O.A. No.33/2024(SZ) 17th February , 2026. AD.
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