The Hindu Business Line : Calcutta HC quashes Jute Packaging Order

TWO positive developments have taken place for the ailing jute industry. While the Calcutta High Court quashed the Union Government's move to dilute the mandatory packaging orders, the Prime Minister has assured more jute bags for the packaging sector.

On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court dismissed a notification issued by the Union Textile Ministry, dated July 1, 2004, and directed 100 per cent jute packaging for foodgrains and 90 per cent for sugar.

The court passed this order after hearing a petition filed by the Bengal Chatkal Mazdoor Union. The order was passed by a division bench comprising Mr Justice A. Kabir and Mr Justice A.K. Bisi.

The decision to dilute the mandatory packaging orders was taken by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government. On May 21, 2004, the court issued a stay order on the NDA Government's decision.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Left party MPs met Dr Manmohan Singh and suggested an increase in the use of jute bags in the packaging sector. A memorandum was also handed over to Mr Singh. It stated that all activities of the jute industry were upset following the recent order by the Textiles Ministry. The delegation included MPs, such as Mr Basudeb Acharya, Mr Debabrata Biswas and Mr Manoj Bhattacharya.

The delegation said jute was a biodegradable, eco-friendly and soil erosion-saving natural fibre. It also said the World Health Organisation had restricted the use of synthetic products on the basis of which a ban had been imposed in European countries.

More Stories on : Jute | Courts/Legal Issues | Packaging

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