The Meghalaya High Court had directed the State government to issue administrative orders to ban the manufacture, marketing, and use of plastic till substitutes are evolved to completely do away with its use in the market.
It also ordered seizure of plastics less than 120 micron width and inspection of public places to recover such items.
A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Indra Prassana Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh gave the directions after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by High Court lawyer Phuyosa Yobin seeking a complete ban of plastics in Meghalaya.
Referring to a an order passed on August 16, 2024 that directed the State government to take steps to totally ban plastic items the High Court said, “We ascertain from the letter and spirit of the said order that till the time a substitute of plastic was found to serve the purposes which the plastic items are now fulfilling, regulatory measures should be taken by the government to curb the use of those products.”
Today, the High Court perused the affidavit affirmed by the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Forest and Environment on September 30, 2024 that indicates the action taken in compliance with the August order.
“It appears from this report that the government has made a policy decision to effect plastic waste management and also taken some action to seize plastic containers and other materials. Having considered the report of the government, we are of the view that some more time should be granted to them to fully implement the order,” the High Court said.
The High Court also directed the Forest and Environment Department to file another affidavit before the next hearing on March 11, 2025 showing the action taken in accordance with today’s order.
