Bombay High Court Considers Ban on Thin Plastic Flowers

The Bombay High Court is deliberating a potential ban on plastic flowers with a thickness of less than 100 microns. The Growers Flowers Council of India filed a petition, citing environmental concerns and similar bans on other plastic items. The court has requested responses from relevant authorities and set a follow-up hearing for August.

The Bombay High Court on Friday announced that there was no obstacle in banning the use and sale of plastic flowers under 100 microns in thickness if other similar plastic items are already prohibited.

A division bench, led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, has requested the Union and Maharashtra government's responses to a petition seeking such a ban. The court also issued notices to the Central Pollution Control Board and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

The Growers Flowers Council of India (GFCI) petitioned the court claiming that plastic flowers used for decoration typically have a maximum thickness of 30 microns, raising environmental concerns.

The court emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, noting that if items under 100 microns are banned, plastic flowers should be no exception. The bench expects the matter to be taken seriously due to its impact on the ecosystem and environment.

All respondents have been directed to submit their affidavits within four weeks, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for August. The Chief Justice underscored the issue's seriousness by highlighting similar environmental risks affecting vulnerable populations, like children in protection homes.

The GFCI's plea referenced various notifications by the central and state governments banning single-use plastics but noted that these do not specifically mention plastic flowers. The plea seeks specific prohibitory orders for thin plastic flowers.

(Disclaimer: With inputs from agencies.)