The Kerala High Court has upheld the state government’s 2019 ban on single-use plastic (SUP) items. The court, led by Justice Viju Abraham, dismissed petitions from trade bodies and reaffirmed the state’s authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The ban, effective since January 1, 2020, covers plastic carry bags, sheets, disposable cutlery, cling film, and small PET bottles.
The Court further extended restrictions through an earlier suo motu order, banning SUPs such as plates, cups, straws, and bakery boxes in eco-sensitive tourist regions like Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad, and during events like weddings, functions, and at hotels and auditoriums. These new rules will come into force from October 2, 2025, and include measures such as mandatory licensing, promotion of reusable alternatives, installation of public water kiosks, and state-wide awareness campaigns.
Authorities including the Pollution Control Board, local bodies, and the police have been instructed to collaborate and enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to prevent plastic dumping in rivers and public spaces.
This landmark judgment reinforces Kerala’s leadership in sustainable practices, aligning with constitutional duties and global environmental goals, while setting a model for other Indian states.
