Meghalaya High Court Urges Strong Action Against Single-Use Plastics

The Meghalaya High Court has issued a strong directive to the state government to enforce a ban on single-use plastic items under 120 microns. This order follows a public interest litigation and emphasizes the need for comprehensive action across all districts, not just East Khasi Hills. The court's previous directives included conducting awareness campaigns about the health risks of plastic use and preventing the manufacture and sale of banned items. This move aims to enhance environmental protection and public health in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2025, 12:08 IST

Court Directs Government to Enforce Plastic Ban

Shillong, June 27: The Meghalaya High Court has instructed the state government to take decisive measures to enforce the prohibition on single-use plastic items that are less than 120 microns in thickness.

This directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) submitted to the court.

A division bench, consisting of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, stated, “We mandate that comprehensive actions be implemented to uphold the orders of this Court from August 16, 2024, along with subsequent directives, the latest being from May 14, 2025, and the administrative actions taken by the government.”

While reviewing a report submitted by the respondents, the bench noted that enforcement of the order from August 16, 2024, had primarily occurred in the East Khasi Hills district, with insufficient action in other areas.

Earlier, on May 14 of this year, the Court had issued a detailed order instructing the district administration to conduct awareness campaigns, announce the health risks associated with plastic usage, and implement measures to halt the production, sale, and utilization of prohibited plastic items.