Trident Row: High Court Wraps Up Hearing, Decision Pending
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 4, 2026:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday concluded hearings in the dispute between Trident Limited and the Punjab Pollution Control Board, reserving its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.
The bench, led by the Chief Justice, marked the close of proceedings, stating, “We will pass the order.”
Trident Limited, promoted by industrialist and Rajya Sabha MP Rajinder Gupta, has challenged the PPCB’s recent actions, alleging lack of procedural fairness. The company’s counsel urged the court to involve the Central Pollution Control Board and sought independent testing of samples outside Punjab to ensure transparency.
Opposing the plea, counsel for the PPCB argued that the petition is not maintainable before the High Court, submitting that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal. The Board maintained that it acted within its statutory powers.
The dispute stems from a raid conducted by the PPCB at Trident’s Barnala unit, which the company has termed “politically motivated.”
Notably, the development has gained significance as it comes shortly after Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Rajya Sabha group after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party.
With arguments concluded, the High Court’s verdict is now awaited.