The Supreme Court of India has asked the central government to issue a notification against the use of plastic pouches and wrappers for gutka, a chewing tobacco product.
The government is supposed to implement a law to regulate the use of plastic for packaging gutka pan masala and chewing tobacco pouches according to the Plastic Management and Disposal Rules set up in 2009. In December 2010, the Supreme Court gave the government eigth weeks to enforce the law. This period ended on 4 February.
The judges observed that the government has been considering and debating the matter with no result and the court is unable to give them more time. The Supreme Court has thus directed the government to issue a notification within the next two days.
Previously, the Supreme Court rejected the request of gutka manufacturers to extend this period. They argued that the ban would negatively affect the business and that shops selling the products would be closed. (pi)