Should we monitor handkerchief use next? Supreme Court rejects PIL on eco-friendly disposal of advocates’ bands

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions for a uniform, eco-friendly system for collecting and disposing of used advocates’ bands across courts in the country [Sakshi Vijay Vs Union of India].

A Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran dismissed the plea filed by petitioner Sakshi Vijay, an Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School.

The Bench remarked,

"Where should our remit end then? Monitor how handkerchiefs be used? Or regulate garbage issue in villages? ... Where all we should issue writs?"

The petition before the Court had highlighted the absence of any uniform policy for the dignified and environmentally safe disposal of white bands that advocates are required to wear under the Bar Council of India Rules.

The petitioner narrated that she had found discarded synthetic bands lying in a ditch, near garbage bins and on the footpath just outside court premises.

It was contended that the situation reflected both an environmental concern and a matter of professional dignity.

According to the petition, earlier generations of advocates used cotton bands that were washed and reused. However, contemporary bands are made of synthetic, non-biodegradable material, are starched for stiffness, and cost as little as ₹10 each, leading many lawyers to discard them after a single day’s use.

The petitioner submitted that thousands of such bands are thrown away daily, potentially taking over 200 years to decompose and adding significantly to the country’s textile and landfill burden.

The petition argued that the unregulated disposal of used bands violated the right to a clean environment under Article 21 and was contrary to the duties imposed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

It invoked Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution to contend that both the government and citizens, including court officers, were constitutionally obliged to adopt sustainable practices.

The petitioner sought a direction to the Bar Council of India and relevant government ministries to install “Band Disposal Bins” in all courts, and to create a streamlined system for their collection, segregation and recycling, including the repurposing of shredded bands as fillers for cushions and toys.

The Bench, however, was not inclined to issue any direction and accordingly dismissed the petition.