New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a petition seeking a ban on the use of plastic flags, banners, and other publicity materials in the election campaign. Meanwhile, the apex court told the Centre that it was hopeful and sure that the government would soon come to Parliament with rules and laws to ban plastic material in the election campaign.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by W Edwin Wilson against the National Green Tribunal order asking the Election Commission of India and chief electoral officers of all states and Union Territories to monitor compliance with advice against the use of plastic. The petition said plastic material is used in elections. It is later left as waste, which is extremely harmful to the environment and harmful to the public.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, on behalf of the Central Government, told the court that the Ministry of Environment and Forests has prepared the draft notification only in March 2021. According to it, all types of plastic, including PVC with less than 100 microns, will be banned. Bhati said the draft was also made public. An advisory in this regard has since been issued.

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