The High Court of Madras has refused to stay the Govt. of Tamil Nadu’s order banning use of plastic bags in the State with effect from the ensuing New Year day i.e. from 01st January, 2019.

Earlier this year, the Edapadi K. Palaniswami-led AIADMK regime banned the use of plastic bags in the State from 01.01.2019. A gazette notification was also issued in this regard, stating that permits/licenses of shops/commercial establishments which used plastic objects containing less than 50 microns would be revoked forthwith.

Campaign against use of plastic has been held all over the State with the Govt. sending a detailed circular to firms/factories manufacturing plastic bag/cup/sheets to conform to prescribed norms. In the meanwhile, a petition was filed by the Plastic Bag Manufacturers’ Association with the High Court of Madras requesting to upturn the above-said order stating that only the Centre had the right to ban use of plastics.

When the case came up for hearing, the High Court turned down the request of the petitioner after the hearing was held. The Court further directed the State Govt. to respond to the petitioner and postponed the next hearing in the State to 21st of this month.