The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently directed the Election Commission and the Madhya Pradesh government to explore the option of not using plastic flags and banners in elections.

The division bench of Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anand Pathak was hearing a PIL filed by Naman Choubey, a law student of Madhya Pradesh.

In the PIL, it was alleged that during the elections the trend of using plastic flax and banners increases. The manufacturing and use of plastic are harmful to the environment.

It was further alleged by the petitioner that neither the Election Commission nor the political parties are paying attention to the issue. Therefore, the court should pass strict directions to the state government, sought the petitioner.

During the hearing of the case, the Court said that guidelines are issued to political parties to minimize the use of plastic promotional material. At the same time, the Court remarked that the Election Commission conducts elections in a large democracy. In such a situation, it becomes its responsibility to stop the material that damages the environment and also consider other options so that political parties can use them instead.

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The High Court has asked the State Government and Election Commission to present its report in the case in the next hearing, which will now be heard on May 3.