India, Sept. 17 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the governments of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab for failing to fill critical vacancies in their State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

The top court gave them a six-month deadline to fill long-pending posts, including crucial technical and scientific positions, in their respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran pointed out that prolonged inactivity is eroding environmental governance in these states at a crucial moment. It also passed similar directions to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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