The Meghalaya High Court recently heard a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Phuyosa Yobin, seeking a total ban on the use of plastic in the state.
The court had earlier directed the state government to take steps to ban plastic items in the state.
In response to the court’s direction, the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Forest and Environment department, filed an affidavit indicating the action taken by the government to comply with the court’s order.
The affidavit stated that the government has made a policy decision to effect plastic waste management and has taken steps to seize plastic containers and other materials.
However, the Division Bench of Chief Justice I P Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh observed that despite the government’s efforts, more time is needed to fully implement the ban on single-use plastics.
The court noted that plastic waste has a devastating impact on the environment and ecosystem, and that it is the government’s responsibility to take effective steps to manage plastic waste.
The court directed the government to follow a policy of banning the manufacture, marketing, and use of plastic materials with a thickness of less than 120 microns.
The government was also directed to seize such materials from manufacturers, distributors, and users, and to take effective steps to manage plastic waste.
The court further directed respondent Authority to file a second additional affidavit showing the action taken by the government in compliance with the court’s order.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 11, 2025.
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