AIBE III 2012 Question 97

In the course of its regular operation, Company A was releasing untreated effluents into a nearby river, thereby harming the wildlife in and around the river. A concerned citizen informed the relevant State Board of this polluting activity. The State Board immediately issued directions to discontinue the supply of electricity to Company A. In light of these facts, which of the following options is the most accurate?

1. A The State Board was acting within its powers to issue directions under Section 32 since there was harm being caused to the wildlife.
2. B The State Board was acting within its powers to issue directions under Section 33A, as disconnection of electricity is specifically provided under that provision
3. C The State Board was not acting within its powers either under Section 32 or Section 33 A, as neither was there any unforeseen event or accident nor was there a persistent defiance by Company A. Official answer
4. D The State Board has not adequately utilised its powers under Section 33A, since it could have issued orders for the closure of Company A, which would have been much more effective in stopping the pollution.
5. E The State Board did not have the power to issue orders either under Section 32 or Section 33A, since the information about Company A was provided to them by a concerned citizen who was not directly aggrieved by the pollution in question.