Section 19 of EPA : Section 19: Cognizance Of Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine a factory is discharging hazardous waste into a river, which is a violation of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Under Section 19 of the Act, a local environmental group notices this illegal activity. Before they can file a complaint with the court, they must first provide a 60-day notice to the Central Government or an authorised officer, detailing the offence and their intent to file a complaint. If the government does not act on this notice within the 60 days, the environmental group can then proceed to file the complaint with the court to address the violation.