8. IMPORT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE : Writ Petition (Civil) No. 657/1995 (Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resource Policy Vs UOI & Ors.)

This Writ Petition was filed as Public Interest Litigation seeking Hon’ble Court’s intervention to impose ban on the import of toxic wastes from the industrialized countries into India. The High Power Committee was appointed by the Hon’ble Court vide its order, dated 13.10.1997 to look into various aspects of hazardous wastes and suggest measures. The Hon’ble Court after hearing on 12.2.2001 passed an order to acknowledge the receipt of the report of the High Power Committee headed by Prof. M.G.K.Menon. The Hon’ble Court also considered the report relating to the hazardous wastes off loaded at Alang in Gujarat. The reports were filed by the Central Pollution Control Board vide its affidavits dated 29.2.2000 and 10.8.2000 in compliance of Hon’ble Court’s order. The Hon’ble Court further directed that since, there was no specific finding by the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, the Union of India should file an affidavit indicating whether the material imported was hazardous or not. If necessary, opinion of the High Power Committee be obtained. The matter is pending with the Hon’ble Court.