Has public been given time to dispose PET bottles, asks HC

The Bombay High Court on Thursday questioned the Maharashtra government's decision of giving three months time to manufacturers to dispose of the PET bottles but not extending the same relief to the public using them.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Riyaz Chagla sought to know from the state government if the three months time has been extended for the public too.

"What if a common man is found with such a bottle? He or she will not know if the said bottle meets the criteria laid down by the government," Justice Oka said. "If the manufacturers have been given three months to dispose (of) their existing stock, has the same been extended to the public also?" he asked.

Government counsel E P Bharucha then said the people found with plastic bottles which do not meet the criteria would be penalised.

"The three months time granted to manufacturers is so that they can recycle or dispose of the existing stock of plastic bottles. The state has to start the ban somewhere," Bharucha said.

The high court was hearing petitions filed by manufacturers and retailers of plastic, PET bottles and thermocol, challenging a March 23 notification issued by the state government.

The high court on Thursday admitted the petitions for final hearing, but said it would pass an order on interim relief on Friday.