Govt asked to impose ban on toxic wastes import: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has asked Centre to impose ban on the import of toxic wastes which had been announced as hazardous under international convention.

The apex court gave the order while disposing a petition by the Research Foundation for Science Technology. The petition wanted direction Centre to ban the import of all hazardous/toxic wastes along with thew change of norms.

Supreme Court bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice J Chelameswar said, “The central government is also directed to bring the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, in line with the Basel convention and Articles 21, 47 and 48A of the constitution.”

The petitioner challenged the decision of the environment and forests ministry allowing toxic wastes import under the cover of recycling.