Today the Division Bench of Punjab and Haryana High Court consisting of the Chief Justice and Justice Arun Palli issued notice

Chandigarh 2nd May'19: Today the Division Bench of Punjab and Haryana High Court consisting of the Chief Justice and Justice Arun Palli issued notice to (i) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (ii) Election Commission of India (iii)    Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab (iv)   Central Pollution Control Board (v) Punjab State Pollution Control Board in the Public Interest Litigation on the issue of restraining registered political parties and other candidates from using Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Flex Boards, Plastic made posters, cut-outs, hoardings, banners, political advertisements  for election campaign during forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 and during other election campaigns.

Counsels for the petitioner pointed out that it is the fundamental right of every citizen to live in a clean and healthy environment, whereas it has been seen in past that political parties and other candidates use plastic material for election campaign and such single use plastic waste generated during election campaign results in chocking of drainage, ingestion by stray animals, Land, water and Air Pollution which adversely affects the environment and human health.

Article 48-A of the Constitution of India Specifically casts the duty upon State Governments to protect the environment. Bench sought response from Election Commission and Pollution Control Boards and other respondents in this regard. Next date of hearing is 10.09.2019