U.P. POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD vs MODI DISTILLERY & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under Sections 25(1), 26, and 47 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, officials of a company can be held vicariously liable for the company's discharge of trade effluents without consent. The Court clarified that the prosecution of the company is not a prerequisite for holding its officials accountable, as they are responsible for the conduct of the company's business. The appeal was allowed, reinstating the proceedings against the officials for their failure to comply with the Act's requirements.