Solid Waste Management compliance requires demonstrable evidence for legal challenges to succeed.

JUDGMENT Dated this the 19^th day of February, 2026 Soumen Sen , C.J .

We have heard Mr. K.K. Ashkar, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Rahul Venugopal, learned Central Government Counsel, Mr. T. Naveen, learned Standing Counsel for the Pollution Control Board and Mr. G. Santhoshkumar (P), learned Standing Counsel for the 9^th respondent.

2. The statements made in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) are general in nature. There is nothing on record to show that the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the CPCB Guidelines for Management of Sanitary Wastes have not been followed. In the absence of any material to show that the said Rules and Guidelines have not been followed, we are unable to accept this PIL.

3. The learned Standing Counsel for the Edathala Grama Panchayat submits that, as it stands now, the Edathala Grama Panchayat, in its meeting dated 30.07.2025, has already considered the said aspect and, in furtherance thereof, has entrusted an entity by name S & A Design LLP with the task of collection and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste, including diapers, sanitary napkins, etc., in accordance with the extant Rules. It is further pointed out that an annual scheme with an allocation of Rs.2 lakhs has already been earmarked for taking further steps in the matter of implementation of the relevant norms of the Municipal Solid Waste Rules.

4. In view of the above, we take the said submissions on record. Nothing further survives for consideration in this Public Interest Litigation and the same is accordingly disposed of.

Sd/-