[COVID-19] 'NGT Seized Of The Matter': SC Disposes Plea Seeking Guidelines For Proper Disposal Of Used Masks [Read Order]

The Supreme Court did not intervene in a matter seeking for directions to issue guidelines for proper handling and disposal of used face masks which are being discharged as household wasted on the basis that the NGT had already been seized of the matter.

Filed by law student Ankit Gupta, the plea states that Petitioner has been compelled to file the petition in "absence of awareness regarding disposal of face masks by public and any guideline/advisory by the Health Ministry for handling of such bio-hazardous waste".

A Bench comprising of Justices NV Ramana, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and BR Gavai heard the matter.

Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that there were detailed directions which had been issued by the Health, Environment and Home Ministries regarding the methods to be employed for disposal of masks.

Justice SK Kaul inquired from the Petitioner that if the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was seized of the matter, then why was there a need to press for directions from the Supreme Court.

"We cannot have multiple hearings in different tribunals. We will leave it to the NGT to consider on how the matter should be publicized. You cannot bring everything to the Supreme Court". On the basis of the same, the petition was disposed of. 

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