The Meghalaya High Court has imposed a ban on single-use plastics in temples and shops throughout the state. 

The Bench, led by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan, has also recommended the use of tetra pak cartons, primarily composed of paper, as a potential alternative to plastic. This initiative is not merely an environmental effort but a crucial fight for the health and future of the planet.

"Initiating this change from temple premises would be a good starting point. Temple authorities must ensure that plastic bags are no longer used in and around places of worship," the Division Bench stated while addressing a PIL on Friday.

“CCTV cameras shall be installed in all temples, so that if anybody carries plastics inside the temple, that can be curtailed to some extent,” it added.

The Bench further extended the ban to shops, prohibiting the storage and use of plastic bags, with strict penalties proposed for violators.

“If any shops are found to have stored plastic bags, a heavy fine should be imposed on them & if the practice is continued, such shops should be kept under lock & seal,” the bench stated.

The court emphasized the need for regular inspections of shops and urged the Meghalaya government to consider imposing substantial fines on those found using plastics within the state. "Strict enforcement of the law will aid in eradicating plastic from society," the Bench remarked.

Drawing a parallel to the stringent waste disposal laws in Singapore, where individuals who litter in their home country adhere to proper waste disposal practices abroad, the Bench asserted, "Strict prohibitory measures and the imposition of heavy fines on violators are the only solutions to eliminating plastics from society, alongside raising awareness about the issue." The High Court has also directed the state government to submit an affidavit regarding the matter.