Company : Sol Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Website : www.courtkutchehry.com BOMBAY SMOKE NUISANCE ACT, 1912 7 of 1912 [27th June, 1912] CONTENTS 1. Short title and extent 2. Power further to extend Act 3. Dermitions 4. Constitution of Commit sion 5. Appointment of Inspectors 6. . 7 . Power to prohibit the erection of kilns or furnaces, or the manufacture of coke, in specified areas; and to inflict penalties 8. Power to order demolition of kilns or furnaces unlawfully erected 9. Penalty for excessive emission of smoke 9 A . N o furnace, etc., to be erected, etc., or used except with approval or permission of Commission 9B. Power to order demolition of furnace 10. Powers of Inspectors 11. Rules 12. Cognizance of offences 12A. Exercise of the powers of the Commission by the President or any member authorized by the President 13. Disposal of tines BOMBAY SMOKE NUISANCE ACT, 1912 7 of 1912 [27th June, 1912] An Act for the abatement of nuisances arising from the smoke of furnaces in the [Greater Bombay] and to provide for the extension thereof to other areas in the [State of Maharashtra]. WHEREAS it is expedient to enact a law for the abatement of nuisances arising from the smoke of furnaces in the 2[Greater Bombay] and to provide for the extension thereof to other areas in the [State of Maharashtra]; It is hereby enacted as follows :- 1. Short title and extent :- (1) This Act may be called the BOMBAY SMOKE NUISANCE ACT, 1912 (2) It extends in the first instance to 1 [the Greater Bombay]. 1. These words were substituted for the original by Bom. 17 of 1945, s. 9, Schedule E, read with Bom 52 of 1947, s. 2, proviso. 2. Power further to extend Act :- (1) 1[The 2[State] Government] may, by notification published in the 3[Official Gazette] and in such other manner as 2[the 3[State] Government] may determine, declare its intention to extend this Act to any specified area in 6[any part of the State of Maharashtra] other than] the 7[Greater Bombay]: Provided that, if a military Cantonment is situated within any area to which it is proposed to extend this Act, no notification shall be published under this sub-section in respect of such area without the previous sanction of the 8[Central Government]. (2) Any inhabitant of an area to which it is proposed to extend this Act may, if he objects to such extension, submit his objection in writing to 1[the 2[State] Government] within a period of three months from the publication of the said notification in the 3[offcial Gazette]. (3) At any time after the expiration of the said period, and after considering the objections, if any, submitted under sub-section (2), 1[the 2 [State] Government] may, by notification in the [Official Gazette], extend this Act to the said area. 1. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 2. This word was substituted for the word "Provincial" by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 3. The words "Official Gazette" were substituted for the words "Bombay Government Gazette" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 6. These words were substituted for the words "pre-Reorganisation State of Bombay, excluding the transferred territories and" by the Maharashtra Adaptation of Laws (State and Concurrent Subjects) Order, 1960. 7. These words were substituted for the words 'Town and Island of Bombay" by Bom. 39 of 1951, s. 3, Second Schedule. 8. The words "Central Government" were substituted for the words "Governor-General in Council" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 3. Dermitions :- In this Act- (1) "furnace" means any furnace or fire- place used- (a) for working engines by steam or, (b) for any other purpose whatsoever: Provided that, no furnace or fire- place- (i) used for the burning of the dead; (ii) used in a private house for domestic purposes other than the purpose specified in clause (a); 1[sindhe Zakaria panuranga ] shall be deemed to be a furnace or fire-place within the meaning of this Act; 2[(1A) "flue" or "chimney" means any "flue" or "chimney" joined to, connected with or forming part of a furnace;] (2) "Inspector" means a Chief Inspector of Smoke-nuisances, or an Assistant Inspector of Smokenuisances, appointed under this Act; (3) "the Commission" means the 3[Maharashtra Smoke-nuisances Commission] constituted under this Act; (4) "occupier" means a person for the time being paying, or liable to pay to the owner the rent or any portion of the rent of the land or building in respect of which the word is used; (5) "owner"- (a) when used in reference to a furnace, 4[flue or chimney], includes any agent or lessee using the furnace, 4[flue or chimney], and any foreman or other person superintending the working of the furnace, 4 [flue or chimney]; (b) when used in reference to any premises, has the meaning assigned to it in section 3 of the City of Bombay Municipal Act, 1888; (Bom III of 1888) (6) "Magistrate" means a Pre dency Magistrate, a Magistrate of the first class, or a Bench of Magistrates exercising first clas powers under the Code of Crimina Procedure, 1898.(V of 1898) 1. Clause (iii) was repealed by s.2 of the Bombay Smoke-nuisance (Amendment) Act. 1920 (Bom. 8 of 1920). 2. Clause (1A) was inserted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.2(1). 3. These words were substituted for the words "Maharashtra (Bombay Area) Smoke-nuisances Commission" by Mah. 22 of 1961, s. 3. 4. The words "flue or chimney" were inserted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.2(2). 4. Constitution of Commit sion :- (1) The State Governmer . shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Corr nission to be called the 1[Maharashtra Smoke-nuisances Commission] to supervise and control the working of this Act. (2) The said Commissions all consist of a President nominatrd by 2[the 3[State] Government] and so many other members is the 1[the 2[State] Government] may determine. (3) One-half of the members (exclusive of the President) shall be nominated by 1[the 2[State] Government]; and the remainder shall be elected, in such manner and for such period as the 8[the 9[State] Government] may direct; by bodies or associations whose interests are likely to be affected by this Act; and the appointment of all members, whether nominated or elected, shall be notified in the 4[Official Gazette]. (4) Where a casual vacancy occurs in the case of a nominated member 4[ t h e 5 [State] Government] shall make a fresh nomination and where a casual vacancy occurs in the case of an elected member, the election shall be made by the same body or association as that which elected the member whose place is to be filled; and a member so nominated or electeds tall hold office solor gas the member whose place he fills would have been entitled to hold office had the vacancy not occurred. (5) No act done by the Commission shall be questioner on the ground merel of the existence of any vacancy in or any defect in the constitution of the Commission. 1. These words were substituded for the words "Maharashtra (Bombay Area) Smoke-nuisances Commission" by Mah. 22 of 1961, s. 5. The amendment of Sectioin 4 shall not affect anything done or any action taken (including any permission, approval, authority or previous sanction, given) by the Commission, called the Maharashtra (Bombay Area) Smoke-nuisances Commission; and all such things duly done and action duly taker by that Commission, shall be deemed to have been done or taken by the Maharashtra Smokc-paiances Commission (vide Mah. 22 of 1961, s. 8.) 2. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 3. This word was substituted for the word "Provincial" by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 8. The words "Official Gazette" were substituted for the words "Bombay Government Gazette" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 9. Central Acts. 5. Appointment of Inspectors :- ( 1 ) 1[T he 2[State] Government] may, by notification in the 3 [Official Gazette], appoint a Chief Inspector of Smoke-nuisances and so any Assistant Inspectors of Smoke-nuisances as they may think fit. (2) Every Assistant Inspector appointed under sub-section (1) shall be subordinate to the Chief Inspector, and all Inspectors shall be subordinate to, and subject to the control of, the Commission. 1. The words "Official Gazette" were substituted for the words "Bombay Government Gazette" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 2. Central Acts. 3. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 6. . :- Inspectors to be public servants Every Inspector appointed under this Act shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the 1 [Indian Penal Code.] (XLV of 1860) 1. Central Acts. 7. Power to prohibit the erection of kilns or furnaces, or the manufacture of coke, in specified areas; and to inflict penalties :- 1 (1)[The 2[State] Government] may by notification in the 3[Official Gazette], 4[either absolutely or abject to such conditions and vithin such area as may be specified in the notification, ] (a) the erection of brick, tile or lime kilns, (b) 5[the erection or re-erection of, or addition to, or aH jration in,] furnaces to be used for the calcining or smelting of ores or miner Is or for the casting, puddling or rolling of iron or other metals or for the conversioi opigiron into wrought iron, or (c) the manufacture of coke in ovens or with special appliances, or (d) the making of coke without ovens or special appliances: Provided that, where, prior to the issue of such notification, a licence has been granted by the Municipal Commissioner undr the provisions of Section 394 of the City of Bombay Municipal Act, (b) such notification shall not affect 6[such furnace so long as it is not re-erected or any alteration or addition is not made thereto.] (2) 7[If any furnace be erected, re-erected, altered or added to or any kiln be erected) in contravention of any notification issued under sub-section (1), clause (a) or (b), the owner thereof shall be liable to fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees. (3) If any person manufactures coke in contravention of any notification issued under sub-section (1), clause (c) he shall be liable to fine which may extend on first conviction to two hundred and fifty rupees, and on any subsequent conviction to five hundred rupees. (4) If any person makes coke in contravention of any notification issued under sub-section (1), clause (d) He shall be liable to fine which may extend on first conviction to twenty-five rupees, and on any subsequent conviction to fifty rupees. (5) If any coke is made in any building or place in contravention of a notification issued under sub-section (1), clause (d) the owner or occupiers of such building or place shall be liable to fine which may extend on first conviction to twenty-five rupees, and on any subsequent conviction to fifty rupees. (6) Where any coal is in. process of being made or has been made into coke in contravention of any notification issued under sub- section (1), clause (d), an Inspector may seize such coal or coke, and report the seizure to a Magistrate who may, after such enquiry as he thinks necessary, order such coal or coke to be confiscated, and to be sold in accordance with rules to be made by 8[the 9 [State] Government] in this behalf under Section 11 . 1. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 2. This word was substituted for the word "Provincialoy the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 3. The words "Official Gazette" were subs' uted for the words "Bombay Government Gazette" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 4. These words were substituted for the words "within any specified area" by Bom. 55 of 1953, s.2(l). 5. These words were substituted for the words "the erection of" by Bom. 55 of 1953, S.2(1). 1888, for the erection of furnace to be used for any of the purposes mentioned in clauses (a) and 6. These words were substituted for the words "such furnace or kiln" by Bom. 55of 1953, s.2(l). 7. These words were substituted for the words "If any furnace order be erected" by Bom. 55 of 1953, s.2(l). 8. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 9. This word was substituted for the word "Provincial" by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 8. Power to order demolition of kilns or furnaces unlawfully erected :- (1) A Magistrate imposing a fine on any person under sub-section (2) of Section 7 may by order direct such person to demolish the kiln or furnace within a period to be specified in the order. (2) Any such person failing to demolish any kiln or furnace within the period prescribed in any such order, or within such longer period as the Magistrate may, for reasons to be stated, allow shall be liable to fine which may extend to twenty rupees for every day thereafter during which such failure continues. 9. Penalty for excessive emission of smoke :- (1) If smoke be emitted from any furnace in greater density, or at a lower altitude, or for a longer time, than is permitted by rules made under this Act, the owner of the furnace shall be liable to fine which may extend 1 [on first conviction to two hundred and fifty rupees, and on any subsequent conviction to five hundred rupees.] (2) Sub-section (1) shall not apply to any furnace which is used- (a) in connection with of a brick, tile or lime kiln, or (b) for the purpose mentioned in clause (d) of sub-section (1) of Section 7 . 1. These words were substituted for the words "on first conviction to fifty rupees, on second conviction to one hundred rupees and on any subsequent conviction to two hundred rupees" by Bom. 29 of 1956, s.2. 9A. No furnace, etc., to be erected, etc., or used except with approval or permission of Commission :- (1) (a) No furnace, flue or chimney shall be erected., altered, added to or re-erected except in accordance with plans and for the purpose approved by the Commission. (b) No furnace, flue or chimney erected, altered, added to or re- erected otherwise than in accordance with the plans approved by the Commission shall be used for any purpose except with the permission of the Commission in accordance with the terms and conditions subject to which suechpermission may be granted. (c) No furnace, flue or chimney erected, altered, added to or re- erected in accordance with the plans and for the purpose approved by the Commission shall be used for any purpose except with the fresh approval of the Commission. (2) If any furnace, flue or chimney erected, altered, added to or re- erected in contravention of the provisions of clause (a), or is used in contravention of the provisions of clause (b), or clause (c) of sub-section (1), as the case may be, the owner of such furnace, flue or chimney shall, on conviction be punished fine which may extend to one hundred rupees and in case of continuing contravention of the said clause (b), or clause (c) with an additional fine which may extend to twenty-five rupees for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention.] 9B. Power to order demolition of furnace :- flue or chimney unlawfully erected. (1) A Magistrate imposing a fine on any person under sub-section (2) of Section 9A may by order direct such person to demolish the furnace, flue or chimney within a period to be specified in the order. (2) Any such person failing to demolish any furnace, flue or chimney within the period specified in the order, or within such longer period as the Magistrate may, for reasons to be stated, allow shall be liable to fine which may extend to twenty rupees for every day thereafter during which such failure continues. 10. Powers of Inspectors :- (1) Any Inspector may, after giving reasonable notice in writing to the owner, manager, engineer or person in charge- (a) enter and inspect, during the working hours, any building or place which contains a furnace, 1[flue or chimney], and inspect such furnace, 2[flue or chimney]; (b) under the written authority of the Commission, use and test any appliance used for preventing the emission of smoke from such furnace, 3[flue or chimney] and (c) under the written authority of the Commission, direct that any such furnace, 1[flue or chimney] be worked 2[* *] experimentally, during his visit to such building or place in any manner in which he may consider suitable for preventing or reducing the emission of smoke, but not so as to interfere with the business carried on in such building or place further than is necessary for the purposes of the experiment. (2) If any owner of a furnace, 1 [flue or chimney), in respect of which a direction if given under clause (c) of sub-section (1) fails to secure compliance with such direction, he shall be liable to a fine which may extend to one hundred rupees: Provided that, where any Inspector has reason to believe that any offence under sub-section (2), (3) or (4) of Section 7 has been or is being committed on any premises it shall be lawful for him to enter in such premises without previous notice and without written authority from the Commission. 1. The words "flue or chimney" were inserted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.4(a). 2. The words "or stoked" were omitted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.4(b). 3. The words "flue or chimney" were inserted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.4(a). 11. Rules :- ( 1 ) 1[T he 2[State] Government] may, 3[* * *] after previous publication make rules to carry out the objects of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of sub- section (1), such rules may- (a) regulate the transaction of business by the Commission; (b) prescribe the powers and duties to be exercised and performed by the Commission and by Inspectors, respectively, and regulate the exercise and performance of those powers and duties; (c) prescribe a scale for the purpose of determining the density of smoke; (d) prescribe the degree of density of smoke that may be emitted from a furnace; (e) prescribe the time during-which smoke of such density may be emitted from a furnace; (1) prescribe the altitude below which smoke may not be emitted from a furnace; 4[* * * *] (h) prescribe a procedure for the giving of warning to offenders before instituting a prosecution under this Act, and declare the minimum period which should be allowed to elapse in different classes of cases between the giving of such warning and the institution of the prosecution; 5 (hh) prescribe the procedure regarding the submission and approval of plan under sub-section (1) of Section 9A ; (i) fix the amount of fee payable to each or any member of the Commission attending a meeting of the Commission; and (j) prescribe a procedure for sale and disposal of the receipts of the sale of coke or coal confiscated under sub-section (6) of Section 7 . (3) The date to be specified in accordance with clause (c) of Section 24 of the Bombay General Clauses Act, 1904 , as that after which a draft of rules proposed to be made under this section will be taken into consideration, shall not be less than three months from the date on which the draft of the proposed rules was published for general information. (4) Any rule to be made under this Act shall, before it is published for criticism under sub-section (1), be referred to the Commission constituted under Section 4 , and the rule shall not be so published until the said Commission has reported as to the expediency of making the proposed rule and as to the suitability of its provisions. 6 (5) All rules made under this section shall be laid for not less than thirty days before each House of the State Legislature as soon as maybe after they are made, and shall be subject to such modifications as the State Legislature may make, during the session in which they are so laid or the session immediately following, and publish in the Official Gazette. 1. The words "the Provincial Government" were substituted for the word "Government" by the Adaptation of Indian Laws Order in Council. 2. This word was substituted for the word "Provincial" by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 3. The words "with the previous sanction of the Governor-General in Council and" were repealed by s.3 of the Bombay Smoke- nuisance (Amendment) Act, 1920 (Bom. 8 of 1920). 4. Clause (g) was repealed by s.3 of the Bombay Smoke-nuisance (Amendment) Act, 1920 (Bom. 8 of 1920). 5. Clause (hh) was inserted by Bom. 10 of 1929, s.5. 6. Sub-section (5) was added by Mah. 22 of 1961, s. 6. 12. Cognizance of offences :- A Magistrate may take cognizance of any offence against this Act only- (a) upon a complaint 1[made by an Officer specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf or by an Inspector, with in each case the previous sanction] 2[** of the Commission or of a sub-committee appointed by the Commission]. 3 (b) within a period of three months from the date on which the alleged commission of the offence came to the knowledge of the Inspector. 1. These words were substituted for the words "made by an Inspector with the previous sanction" by Mah. 22 of 1961, s. 7. 2. These words were substituted for the words "or with the written authority of the Chief Inspector" by Bom. 10 of 1924, s.2. 3. This clause was substituted for the original" by Bom. 55 of 1953, s.4. 12A. Exercise of the powers of the Commission by the President or any member authorized by the President :- (1) The President of the Commission or in the event of the illness or absence of the President from Bombay any member of the Commission] authorised in writing by the President in this behalf may exercise the powers of the Commission under Section 9A , Section 10 and 12. (2) The President or member authorised under sub-section (1) shall report to the Commission before its next ordinary meeting any action taken by him in the exercise of the powers under Section 9A , Section 10 and Section 12 . 13. Disposal of tines :- Omitted by the Adaptation of lndian Laws Order in Council.