The study aims to unravel the impact of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) scores on the firm’s market performance of polluting companies. Moreover, the study also finds out moderating effect of green initiatives. The study’s population consisted of 67 companies that were chosen from the list of polluting companies given by the Central Pollution Control Board of India for the post-COVID-19 timeframe of 2020–2023. Regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between the variables. The results indicate that the performance of ESG will improve the financial performance of the company. In most cases, the results suggest that firms with heightened ESG performances have better market performance. Furthermore, the results show that there is no moderating effect of green initiatives. This study’s findings have important implications for stakeholders. The examination’s findings should help managers understand the state of ESG and financial market performance after the coronavirus crisis, as well as the relationship between FP and ESG responsibility fulfilment. The study has significant practical implications that may help managers create plans and guidelines for implementing and improving ESG scores to maximize performance. Population was the major limitation of the study.