ALL KERALA PLASTIC DEALERS Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These writ petitions are filed challenging certain orders issued by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, hereinafter "PCB", for brevity. The substance of the contentions is that those orders were essentially dictated by the Government of Kerala and that they are in conflict with the Rules framed by the Central Government Even going by the case of the petitioners, the Central Government is the competent authority to frame and issue rules regulating the manufacture, use, disposal, recycling etc., of plastic carry bags. Petitioners had been enjoying an interlocutory order.

(2.) Different arguments were addressed before me at different stages, including that, there is the need to have a larger look at the issue of mismanagement of plastic waste. In fact, Adv. Alphonse Kannanthanam had argued that different authorities have to be directed to consider alternatives for plastic, for use by shopkeepers. He referred to different authorities and materials to indicate that the menace of plastic is a bane to humanity and also to other inhabitants of the earth, in the form of flora and fauna. He made elaborate reference to the clogging of the water resources, drainage system etc. on account of unregulated, random and careless disposal of plastic by citizens.

(3.) It needs to be mentioned that plastic is used only by the human beings. With the progression of human history, we call ourselves civil societies. Growth of civilization includes the requirement to grow, recognizing the rights of those who are yet to reach this earth. The coming generations have a heavy stake and the present inhabitants have to manage the environment, having in mind that, we who live today are undoubtedly the ancestors of tomorrow. If the present societal conduct of littering is carried on, don't expect to be revered; not even respected; but, rest assured only to be cursed and accused by those who are destined to tread this earth; they who are the innocent toddlers of today and those who are yet in the queue to visit this planet.