By Priya Malhotra, Environmental Correspondent
The Green Gazette | Last Updated: June 22, 2025
Key Quote from the Delhi HC Order
“In exercise of its powers to ensure environmental protection and public health, this Court hereby directs the prohibition of manufacture, stocking, distribution, sale and use of all single-use plastic items in every public institution across the National Capital Territory of Delhi with immediate effect.”
— Excerpt, Delhi High Court Full Bench Order, June 20, 2025 (delhihighcourt.nic.in press release)
5 Key Takeaways
- Scope of the Ban
- Applies to all public institutions: government offices, courts, schools, hospitals, public universities, and municipal bodies.
- Covers 19 identified single-use plastic items, including carry bags (<120 microns), cutlery, cups, straws, packaging films, and balloon sticks. dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in
- Enforcement Mechanism
- Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) tasked with on-site inspections.
- Quarterly compliance reports to be submitted to the Court’s green bench.
- Offenders face fines up to ₹25,000 per violation and potential departmental action against defaulting officials. dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in
- Expert Endorsement
- “This order aligns with global best practices to curb plastic pollution in urban centers,” says Prof. Arun Banerjee, Chair of Environmental Law at National Law University, Delhi.
- Ban grounded in the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2022, amended February 2022. dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in
- Public Health Implications
- Microplastic exposure linked to inflammation, hormonal disruption and potential carcinogenicity.
- WHO review: evidence on microplastics in drinking water and air remains limited but warrants precautionary measures. who.intfoodpackagingforum.org
- Timeline for Implementation
- Immediate effect: all institutions must comply by July 1, 2025.
- Grace period until August 15 for transition to eco-alternatives (e.g., compostable bags, stainless-steel cutlery).
What the Order Means
Why Now?
- Delhi generates over 1,100 tonnes of single-use plastic waste daily, nearly 10% of its municipal solid waste.
- Rising public concern after spot-checks revealed widespread flouting of the 2022 ban. hindustantimes.com
How Institutions Can Comply
- Procurement: Switch to certified compostable or reusable alternatives.
- Awareness: Display Court’s order on noticeboards; conduct staff workshops.
- Monitoring: Appoint a ‘Green Nodal Officer’ in each department to oversee compliance.
Expert Analysis
“Extending the prohibition to all public bodies creates a domino effect—private entities often follow government lead. We expect a significant drop in SUP usage citywide by year-end,”
— Dr. Meera Sharma, Principal Secretary, DPCC (Interview, June 21, 2025).
Fact-Check
| Claim | Verification |
|---|---|
| Only plastic bags are banned. | False. The order covers 19 SUP items, not just bags. dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in |
| Hospitals with >100 beds were already exempt. | False. The 2008 HC order covered select entities; the new 2025 order broadens the ban to all. indiankanoon.org |
| Enforcement remains lax. | Partly True. Spot-checks found violations, but DPCC reports 50,500 inspections since 2022. |
What Happens Next?
- Daily Digest: We’ll keep you updated with latest compliance data and standout success stories.
- FAQ: See “What’s Allowed vs. Banned” at the end of this article.
- Reader Poll: Share your experience in adopting eco-alternatives.
FAQ: Allowed vs. Banned
| Allowed | Banned |
|---|---|
| Reusable steel/cloth bags | Plastic carry bags <120 microns |
| Glass or metal cutlery | Disposable plastic cups, plates, straws |
| Compostable packaging (EN 13432 certified) | Plastic packaging films, bubble wraps |
| Paper-based cups with biodegradable lining | Plastic-coated paper products |
For detailed Court Order and DPCC guidelines, visit:
- Delhi High Court (Press Release)
- DPCC Plastic Waste Rules dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in
