Strict enforcement needed to curb sale of synthetic kumkum and plastic items in Sabarimala: HC

Awareness must be complemented by effective inspections and prompt enforcement action against violations to curb the sale, distribution and use of non-compliant synthetic chemical kumkum and plastic items in Sabarimala, the Kerala High Court observed recently.

The Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar directed the Erumeli grama panchayat secretary and the Pollution Control Board to closely monitor the situation, provide inputs, and assist enforcement authorities in promptly identifying and addressing violations.

The Drugs Inspector Kottayam informed the court that the Drug Control Department was committed to taking action against the manufacture, sale and distribution of synthetic kumkum. Awareness measures have been initiated among street vendors, licensed establishments and cosmetic suppliers in Erumely grama panchayat. Posters highlighting labelling requirements and quality standards were displayed to sensitise vendors and suppliers in this regard, the Inspector stated.

The Special Government Pleader (Devaswom) informed the court that the Drug Control Department was facing logistical and infrastructural difficulties in initiating prosecution under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. He suggested that seizing prohibited or non-compliant articles and entrusting them to the grama panchayat would be more practical, enabling the panchayat to take prompt action and arrange for the items’ disposal. The grama panchayat responded that offenders should be prosecuted where a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act is found, to deter similar offences. Mere seizing and removing of articles may not adequately address the problem, it stated.

Accordingly, the court directed senior officers of the Drugs Control Department to appear on November 19 to examine the difficulties faced by the Department in dealing with offenders involved in the sale of synthetic kumkum.