High Court refuses order on jute packaging

The Indian Jute Mill Association (IJMA) received a set back yesterday after Justice P C Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court refused pass any order on its writ petition challenging the decision of the central government introducing new jute bag packaging policy.

On April 16, 2004 the central government issued a notification stating that use of jute packaging materials for foodgrains was reduced to 60 per cent from 90 per cent. Use of jute packaging materials for sugar reduced to 50 per cent from 100 per cent.

Justice Ghosh directed IJMA to move the Supreme Court as the central government's decision was based on the order of the apex court passed on the issue. The High Court observed as the matter had been dealt with by the Supreme Court, "this court should not make any order in the petition".

In the writ petition, it was stated that the notification was issued before the standing advisory committee could hold its meeting or submit its recommendation. The petition sought stay of the effect of the notification.

Justice P C Ghosh directed the central government to take instruction in the matter. The case will be heard after one week.

The petition asked for an order directing the central government to continue with the earlier reservation order. The central government had issued the notification on April 16, 2004, under section 3 of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory use in packing commodities) Act 1987.

All India Flat Tape Manufacturing Association and The Jute Mill Workers Associations made application for addition of the parties to the writ petition. Justice Ghosh added them as parties to the case and directed all the parties to approach the Supreme Court.