Overview

• Kerala High Court's June 17 directive bans the use and sale of single-use plastics across the state effective October 2, 2025.
• The prohibition covers plastic bottles under 5 liters, soft drink bottles under 2 liters, food containers, plates, cups, straws, and similar items in hilly tourist areas, weddings, government events, restaurants, and hotels.
• Exemptions apply to larger items, including 5-liter water bottles and 2-liter soft drink bottles.
• The court ordered the state government and local bodies to set up water kiosks at designated tourist spots to provide clean drinking water alternatives.
• Justices Bechu Kurian Thomas and P. Gopinath directed coordination among the chief secretary, local self-government departments, pollution control board, and police to enforce the ban and prevent plastic waste from entering waterbodies.