The Meghalaya High Court today directed that comprehensive action be taken to enforce the orders of the court banning use of single-use plastics.
Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) brought by Phuyosa Yobin, a division bench of the High Court consisting of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh also directed the government that the prohibitory orders need to be strictly implemented and also to file a supplementary action taken report on the next date of hearing of the PIL.
“The report specifies district-wise compliance in 11 districts except East Jaintia Hills. Learned counsel for the State respondent is directed to file a compliance report by the authorities of East Jaintia Hills before the next date of hearing of this PIL,” the division bench of the High Court stated.
The court stated that it is quite satisfied with the steps taken (by the government), noting that bans have been promulgated in East Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills specifically.
“It appears from the submission of learned counsel for the State respondent that similar prohibitory orders have been issued in all the districts covered by the report. Moreover, awareness camps, monitoring the use of plastic and appropriate measures against wrongdoers seem to have been initiated. The action taken seems to be at the initial stage,” the court stated.
