Tamil Nadu court moved on cola ban

A petition was today filed in the Madras High Court, asking it to direct the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to ban the manufacture and sale of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the state, alleging the soft drinks contained hazardous chemicals detrimental to public health.

Admitting a petition filed by A C Rengasuwamy, founder of 'Sameveli Manida Neya Maiyam', a division bench comprising justices S J Mohapadhaya and F M Ibrahim Kallifulla, issued notices to the Centre, state government and manufacturers of the soft drinks, asking them to file replies in two weeks time.

The bench, however, did not entertain the interim prayer to order a ban on their manufacture and sale pending disposal of the petition.

Alleging health professionals were apprehensive about them containing pesticides and other chemical additives higher than permitted levels, thus causing several stomach disorders and problem of obesity, the petitioner contended it was the duty of the Centre and state governments to protect public health.

The petitioner also sought a direction to the Centre and state government to notify the standards on pesticide residues in soft drinks, failing which, he said the public would be put to great hardship.