Plastic review Review Application No.89 of 2019 in W.P.No.34065 of 2018 S.VAIDYANATHAN,J. AND P.T.ASHA,J. Today, when the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr.V.R.Kamalanathan, learned counsel representing the Madras Bar Association; Mr.C.K.Chandrasekar, learned counsel representing the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as Madras High Court Advocates’ Association and Mr.V.Chandrasekar, learned Central Government Standing Counsel
Review Application No.89 of 2019
in
W.P.No.34065 of 2018
S.VAIDYANATHAN,J.
AND
P.T.ASHA,J.
Today, when the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr.V.R.Kamalanathan, learned counsel representing the Madras Bar Association; Mr.C.K.Chandrasekar, learned counsel representing the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as Madras High Court Advocates’ Association and Mr.V.Chandrasekar, learned Central Government Standing Counsel were present. There was no representation on behalf of the Law Association and the Women Lawyers’ Association, though this matter was called thrice after they have been asked to submit their suggestions regarding filing of Additional Report identifying the places for installing Vending Machines and Reverse Vending Machines.
- The High Court also addressed a communication to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board suggesting locations for installation of Manjappai Vending Machines to enable the general public to buy Yellow Bags (Manjappai) and Reverse Vending Machines for crushing used-plastic. One of the locations which has been suggested is near the Ambedkar Statue. As there could be a possibility of garbage piling up near the statue and considering the fact that there is one Manjappai Vending Machine located near Aavin Gate, the third location suggested for installation of Manjappai Vending Machine can be shifted near the CCC Section.
- Learned Standing Counsel representing the Chennai Corporation was also informed that, the Corporation shall place Dustbins specifically earmarked only for disposal of plastics with proper labels both in English and vernacular language, so as to enable people to identify the bins where they could dispose plastics. Such Dustbins should be placed in strategic places where there is lot of footfall.
- The Bench had also provided samples of two Myrrh Dhoopsticks to the Special Government Pleader, one of which (branded as ‘Varshini’) is environment friendly, where the outer and inner cover is made of paper; whereas, each one of the other Dhoopstick is wrapped in plastic and the outer box is also wrapped in plastic. Those samples were provided to show that, if there is a will to do away with plastics, the ultimate goal of eliminating plastics can be achieved by the Government by giving certain directions to the Officials concerned. In this regard, learned Special Government Pleader has also informed the Court that, he will issue necessary instructions to the Officials concerned.
- We make it clear that, we have not expressed any opinion on the quality or otherwise of Dhoopsticks, but have only made note as to how the manufacturers can be educated to effect small changes to achieve the ultimate goal of eliminating Single Use Plastic. In the next hearing, we will be asking the representatives of Law Journals to put forth their suggestions as to whether their Law Journals are wrapped in paper or plastic covers.
- The Advocates’ Associations shall positively give their suggestions on the steps that can be taken to maintain the High Court and its surrounding premises, plastic-free. Such suggestions in writing can be put before 04.01.2023.
- List this matter for hearing on 04.01.2023.
(S.V.N.,J.) (P.T.A.,J.)
01.12.2022
