Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding use of PVC and chlorinated plastics for banners and hoardings during election, 08/11/2019
Order of the Supreme Court in the matter of W. Edwin Willson Vs Union of India & Others dated 08/11/2019 regarding use of PVC and chlorinated plastics for banners and hoardings for promotion and advertising during elections. A report was filed by the CPCB which mentioned that the Election Commission issued letters to all political parties and Chief Electoral Officers of all the states and union territories (UTs) on the subject.
The Tribunal was appraised of the fact that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) had written a letter in January 2019 to Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs and Chief Electoral Officers of all the States/UTs to use alternative options in election campaigning material such as compostable plastics, natural fabrics and recycled paper material. Similar advisories have also been issued since 1999.
In view of the fact that MoEF&CC as well as the Chief Election Commission "have taken the view that use of plastic during elections particularly banner/hoardings needs to be avoided, it will be appropriate that compliance of advisories/directions mentioned above is appropriately monitored by the Election Commission of India, Chief Electoral Officers of all the States/UTs and the CPCB," the order said.