Offences by Government Departments

Q: When did Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act come into force?

Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act, cited as Environment Act 17, came into force on 19 Nov 1986, having been enacted on 23 May 1986. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 19 Nov 1986 Act 29 of 1986 As on 17 Oct 2026

Act 29 of 1986 Ministry Environment, Forest and Climate Change Enacted 23 May 1986 In force 19 Nov 1986

Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 deals with offences by Government Departments. Where an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of Government, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of t The Act came into force on 19 Nov 1986.

(1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of Government, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of the Department liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been committed by a Department of Government and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any officer, other than the Head of the Department, such officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
Section 17, The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Act 29 of 1986).

Questions about Section 17

What does Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act deal with?

Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act is headed "Offences by Government Departments". Where an offence under this Act has been committed by any Department of Government, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of t

How do I find court cases under Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Environment Act 17, section 17 Environment Act, section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act come into force?

Section 17 of the Environment (Protection) Act, cited as Environment Act 17, came into force on 19 Nov 1986, having been enacted on 23 May 1986. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

3. Power of Central Government to take measures to protect and improve environment580 words
25. Power to make rules447 words
11. Power to take sample and procedure to be followed in connection therewith420 words
15C. Adjudicating officer379 words
10. Powers of entry and inspection369 words
15F. Offence for failure to pay penalty or additional penalty310 words

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.