Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — back to Table of Contents
Section 5. Power to give directions
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law but subject to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Act, issue directions in writing to any person, officer or any authority and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with such directions.
Explanation.—For the avoidance of doubts, it is hereby declared that the power to issue directions under this section includes the power to direct—
- (a) the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or
- (b) stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service.
Note: This is one of the Act’s most powerful and frequently-invoked provisions — the Central Government has delegated the power to issue directions under this section to numerous State Governments, subject to conditions and the Central Government’s power to revoke or itself invoke the power in the public interest.
