HC seeks reply from Punjab PCB on Trident’s plea against ‘coercive’ search

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court has issued notices to Punjab govt and the state pollution control board after the Barnala-headquartered Trident Ltd filed an appeal, apprehending coercive action from PCB following the April 30 inspection of its premises.Rajya Sabha MP Rajinder Gupta, who switched from AAP to BJP on April 24, is the founder and chairman emeritus of Trident. The PCB search at the Barnala unit was carried out on April 30. HC has asked for detailed replies from govt and PCB by May 4.When the matter came up before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry on Friday, PCB assured the court that no coercive steps would be taken against Trident till May 4.Trident, a diversified public limited company, has challenged the April 30 inspection, calling it "arbitrary, mala fide, and in violation of principles of natural justice". The petition claims that the inspection was conducted without prior notice, without citing any violation, and in a manner disproportionate to standard practices.The petition argues that the timing and circumstances of PCB action raise serious concerns of mala fide intent, and that it appears to be motivated by "extraneous and political consideration".According to the plea, Trident has maintained a clean compliance record and adheres to environmental norms. Its applications for renewal of mandatory consents for 2026-27 are pending, with no deficiencies having been communicated by the authorities, it has said.The company has requested the court's directions to ensure transparency in sample collection and protection of its sensitive business information collected during the inspection.