'Only To Embarrass State Govt Before Elections' : Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Against Flex Boards In Kerala

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition seeking the regulation of the use of PVC flex boards in the State of Kerala. During the hearing, the Court orally commented that the petition seemed to be a "political battle" and the prayers sought seemed to "embarrass the State Government before the elections."

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi however granted liberty to the petitioner to pursue other remedies, including intervening in the other proceedings in the High Court in relation to flex boards.

The petition was filed by an NGO, Human Rights Foundation, challenging the High Court's refusal to entertain the petition seeking to address the issue of pollution caused by plastic products, particularly PVC flex boards.

Commenting on the timing of the petiton, CJI said, "The timing of the petition, in Kerala elections are coming. You are seeking to restrain the State Government. How many States we can keep on restraining? The problem is, people start fighting political battles in this Court also, whether in Kerala, or A State, B State. Now, all prayers are only to embarrass the State Government, to create some difficult situation for them."

The petitioner's counsel submitted that there are orders in other states against the use of PVC flex boards. Justice Bagchi pointed out that before the High Court, the State informed that it has passed orders and assured that they will be enforced. The validity of those orders is challenged by the association of flex board makers, and it is being considered by another High Court bench, Justice Bagchi added. 

"You people want to create some impediment for whatever election campaign..."CJI Kant said.

Granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the High Court, the petition was disposed.

Case : HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATIONS Vs STATE OF KERALA | D No. 57646/2025