"HC states govt free to take action in compliance of court's Dec 3 order": Advocate Naman Nagrath on Bhopal's toxic waste issue

Jabalpur: Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday instructed the state government that they are free to take necessary action in compliance with the order dated on December 3 on its own level in connection with the toxic waste from Bhopal's Union Carbide Factory site shifted to Pithampur for its safe disposal, an advocate said.
"MP High Court in its December 3 order instructed the state government that the toxic waste at Bhopal's Union Carbide Factory should be transported to Pithampur safely and incinerate it. In compliance with the order, the High Court has listed the case today. During the hearing, the state government presented an affidavit before the court in which the government briefed about the steps taken so far," said Naman Nagrath, advocate for petitioners.
The government stated in the affidavit that some people were spreading fake information about the waste due to which people unnecessarily get agitated. As a result of which the further action of incineration was not started yet. Additionally, the state government demanded additional time so that the court's order stated on December 3 can be followed.
"After the hearing on Monday, the High Court ordered that the state government is free to clear up confusion among the public on its own level. Additionally, instructed the media not to publish fake news about the toxic waste. The state government sought permission from the court to unload containers of the toxic waste shifted to Pithampur from Bhopal. The High Court clearly said that the state government did not need the permission of the Court. The government is free to take necessary action in compliance with the December 3 order, including unloading of the toxic waste by taking decisions on its own level," Nagarth added.
The state government sought time of six weeks to follow the order dated Dec 3 on which, the High Court granted that time to the government, Nagrath said. The next hearing into the matter is scheduled on February 18, he added.
On December 3, the High Court stated, "...The steps for removal of toxic waste/material shall be taken and sent to the place assigned within four weeks from today (December 3)... If any of the authorities creates any hurdle or impediment regarding compliance of the orders of this Court, the Chief Secretary of the State Government of Madhya Pradesh shall indicate on the next date of hearing so that this Court may take strict action against the said authority."
"We hereby make it clear that all the safety measures shall be taken during transportation and disposal of the toxic waste/material," the court stated.