Bombay High Court Weighs in on Charcoal Debate Amid Green Fuel Transition

The Bombay High Court is evaluating a dispute involving notices issued by civic bodies to bakeries to switch to green fuel. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is tasked with assessing whether charcoal qualifies as a non-polluting, approved fuel. The Bombay Charcoal Merchants Association (BCMA) contends that charcoal, unlike coal, is not polluting.

The Bombay High Court is set to determine whether charcoal is an environmentally approved fuel during a legal challenge against municipal directives pushing for green energy adoption in bakeries. The case centers around allegations from the Bombay Charcoal Merchants Association (BCMA) that authorities misconstrued a prior court injunction.

During a court session, BCMA's senior counsel Kevic Setalvad highlighted that notices were issued to establishments still using charcoal, insisting on its non-polluting nature as it lacks sulfur content. However, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) contends it is taking steps in accordance with a previous high court order aimed at converting traditional energy sources to green alternatives.

The division bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, has directed the BCMA to present its case to the MPCB within two weeks, with a resolution expected within four weeks. This decision comes amid broader questions about environmental governance and economic implications for businesses reliant on charcoal.

(With inputs from agencies.)