SC not to interfere with NGT order on PVC pipes containing lead

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday said it was not inclined to interfere with the National Green Tribunal's order keeping in abeyance its interim direction to publish a warning on the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes containing lead, that it has hazardous effect on human health.

However, a bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and Indu Malhotra granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the NGT and raise his grievance before the tribunal.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioner lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, questioned the NGT's May 2 order and said it was noted in earlier orders of the tribunal that lead was not being used globally due to its harmful effect on health.

"Lead cannot be used and its phasing out is 100 per cent confirmed," Singh told the bench.

The apex court observed that the order which was challenged before it was an "interim order" and the petitioner could approach the tribunal on the issue.

The bench, while disposing of the plea, said after the petitioner approaches it with his grievance, the NGT may consider passing appropriate orders after giving opportunity to all the parties.

During the hearing, the petitioner also referred to the earlier orders passed by the NGT in the matter.

The NGT had on May 25 last year directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to lay down standards within four months for using lead in PVC pipes, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, after it was apprised that the water passing through such pipes which was commonly used in most buildings might contain toxic materials like lead.

The NGT verdict had come on a plea by NGO Jan Sahyog Manch seeking directions to take remedial and preventive steps regarding environment and ecological damage caused by the use of lead in the manufacturing of PVC pipes and other products.