Kerala High Court Upholds Ban on Single-Use Plastic Items, Rejects Refund Pleas by Manufacturers and Traders

The Kerala High Court dismissed writ petitions from plastic manufacturers and traders challenging the state’s 2019 single-use plastic ban, upholding the state’s authority under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Citing Supreme Court precedent, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Paper Cup Manufacturers Association v State of Tamil Nadu, the court confirmed the legality of the ban. It noted that the Central government rules on single-use plastics issued in 2021 and 2022 further validate Kerala’s orders.

The Court also refused to order refunds claimed for fines or losses due to the ban, stating such disputed facts should be resolved in the appropriate forum.

[Glister Sachet India Private Limited v State of Kerala & ors and connected cases]