Affidavit on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the matter of Sarla Soni Vs State of Rajasthan & Others dated 12/01/2023.

The matter deals with guidelines for gold assaying and hallmarking centers.

The MoEF&CC is engaged in policy formulation for abatement, control and prevention of pollution, prescribing environmental standards which are implemented through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).

The SPCBs/PCCs are required to enforce these standards and monitor the compliance by industries. Besides the SPCBs/PCCs concerned are empowered to take all such measures as are deemed necessary or expedient for the purpose of protection and improving the quality of environment as well as prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.

The issuance of consent to establish/operate in a state/UT comes under the jurisdiction of the SPCBs/PCCs concerned and they are empowered to adopt more stringent measures than the standards notified by the MoEF&CC for control and prevention of pollution in their respective states/UTs.