September 1,2018:
On Friday, Supreme Court stayed construction activities in States and Union Territories without a Solid Waste Management Policy.
Apex Court Bench comprising of Justice Madan Lokur and Justice S Abdul Nazeer stated that attitude of the States in not framing a policy is “pathetic to say the least”.
Bench further added that,“In case the States have the interest of the people in mind and cleanliness and sanitation, they should frame a Policy in terms of the Solid Waste Management Rules so that the States remain clean".
SC Bench came down heavly on some States and resorted to imposing costs on Andra Pradesh of Rs. 5 lakh as Counsel for the State was not present for the hearing. While a cost of Rs. 3 lakh was imposed on Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttarakhand, UT of Chandigarh.
After this, Supreme Court Bench proceeded to stay construction in States and Union Territories until the Policy is framed.
SC Bench added that fine will be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee within two weeks for utilization of juvenile justice issues.
"It is unfortunate that some States and Union Territories have not yet framed any Policy under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016...if they want the people to live in dirt, filth and garbage, what can be done then," added Supreme Court.
Bench then proceeded to post the matter for further hearing on October 9
Supreme Court took Suo Motu cognizance of death of a child due to Dengue.
Source TOI
Read Order @LatestLaws.com:
Supreme Court order on Framing of Solid Waste Management Policy (Download PDF)
Picture Source :
