SC orders export of endosulfan

Ban on production of pesticide still in place

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia, however, clarified that its May 13 order of banning the production of the substance would remain in operation. “We hereby permit the 34 units of manufacturers and formulators, whose names are mentioned in the report of the Joint Expert Committee, to export the existing stock of 2698.056 KL of endosulfan formulation,” the Bench, also comprising Justices A K Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar, said.

It said the dilution, packaging and export of the product would be carried out by Hindustan Insecticide Ltd, Excel Crop Care and Coromandel International. “Within a week from today, Hindustan Insecticides, Excel Crop Care and Coromandel International shall hold a meeting and decide the existing quantity of endosulfan formulation which each of the three companies could dilute, repackage and export,” the court said.

The court relied upon a report submitted by the Joint Expert Committee on August 24 indicating that a quantity of 2698.056 KL of endosulfan formulation was lying in stock, unsold as an inventory, and to allow the plea of the manufacturers and formulators to export the existing stock.

The court had on last Friday indicated that it could allow export of endosulfan stock lying with the manufacturers in the country. “Why do you want the poison to remain in the country... If it can be exported, then let it happen,” the Bench said.