Court Dismisses Plea for Eco-Friendly Advocate Band Disposal

The Supreme Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation aiming for a uniform and eco-friendly disposal system for used advocate bands. Filed by Sakshi Vijay, the plea highlighted environmental concerns around the disposal of these bands, traditionally worn by lawyers. The court questioned the limits of judicial intervention on such issues.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting the implementation of a uniform eco-friendly disposal system for used advocate bands within court premises nationwide. The decision came from a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran.

The PIL, filed by Sakshi Vijay, an Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School, highlighted environmental concerns surrounding the traditional cotton neckbands worn by lawyers. Vijay reported seeing discarded bands in various places, contributing to pollution.

The bench emphasized the limits of judicial intervention, with Chief Justice Gavai questioning where such regulatory oversight should end, whether on similar personal garment issues like handkerchiefs or broader waste management in villages, as it declined the PIL.

(With inputs from agencies.)