Fri Jul 25 19:53:40 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Kerala High Court has affirmed the Kerala State government’s 2019 ban on the manufacture, storage, transport, and sale of single-use plastic items, effective since January 1, 2020. The court dismissed petitions from the Kerala Plastic Manufacturers’ Association, upholding the government’s authority to issue the ban under the Environment Protection Act. The ban encompasses a wide range of plastic products, including carry bags, sheets, single-use utensils, PET bottles, flags, and non-woven bags. The court also addressed challenges regarding fines imposed for illegal manufacturing and storage, advising petitioners to seek appropriate remedies.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Upholds Ban on Single-Use Plastics**

**KOCHI, July 26, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has reaffirmed the State government’s ban on single-use plastics, dismissing petitions from the Kerala Plastic Manufacturers’ Association challenging the legality of the ban. The ban, initially implemented on January 1, 2020, prohibits the manufacture, storage, transport, and sale of various single-use plastic items within the state.

Justice Viju Abraham, presiding over the bench, upheld the government’s authority to issue the orders under the Environment Protection Act. The banned items include plastic carry bags, sheets, single-use utensils (cups, plates, spoons, etc.), PET bottles under 300ml, flags, and non-woven bags.

The petitioners had argued that the State government lacked the competence to implement the ban without corresponding Central rules. However, the court sided with the State’s contention that the orders were issued under the Environment Protection Act, a power previously validated by the Supreme Court.

Regarding fines levied on manufacturers and storers of the prohibited plastics, the High Court advised the petitioners to pursue legal remedies through separate proceedings. The court further emphasized the government’s responsibility to enforce both its own orders and the rules established by the central government regarding environmental protection. The ruling is expected to bolster the state’s efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable environment.

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