The Kerala High Court has raised serious concerns over the unchecked use of plastic water bottles at weddings and other public gatherings, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of the state’s plastic ban. A Division Bench comprising Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P. Gopinath suggested replacing plastic bottles with glass alternatives, stating, “These small bottles are creating havoc and can easily be replaced with glass bottles.”
The Court was hearing a suo motu case on waste management when it scrutinized the state’s failure to enforce existing bans on single-use plastics, particularly at large gatherings. Justice Gopinath questioned the government’s effectiveness in controlling the use of small plastic bottles despite a ban already being in place. “For small bottles, there is already a ban in place. How do we ensure that it is effectively enforced because we see small bottles in every function now?” he asked.
Special Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department, Anupama T.V. IAS, informed the Court that gatherings with over 100 attendees require a local government license and that plastic water bottles below 500 ml are already banned. However, a statewide enforcement review revealed over 100 violations. To curb these breaches, the government is considering an online reporting system allowing citizens to upload photos of infractions, leading to fines. Additionally, district-level enforcement squads are being expanded to improve monitoring.
The Court also took note of plastic waste generated by Vande Bharat trains, particularly discarded bottles littering railway tracks. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas emphasized the Railways’ responsibility in waste disposal, stating, “Local authorities should be issuing notices to the Railways to remove such waste. They are bound to remove it; they cannot have these wastes dumped on the tracks. As a bulk waste generator, you owe a duty to the public and to the legal system.”
Further, the Bench highlighted Kerala’s inadequate public sanitation facilities, citing Australia’s stainless-steel roadside urinals as a model. It recommended establishing small, hygienic urinals across the state to improve sanitation for both men and women.
The case has been adjourned to March 28, with the Court directing the state government and the Railways to submit their responses.
Case: Suo Motu vs State of Kerala & ors – Available on LAWFYI.IO
