Supreme Court refuses to ban asbestos

New Delhi, Jan 21 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday refusing to ban asbestos considered a health hazard directed the Union and State Governments to put in place a body to regulate its use and manufacturing.

Dismissing a public interest lawsuit filed by NGO Kalyaneshwari, a bench of Chief Justice S H Kapadia also asked the various state governments to follow a 1995 ruling of the Supreme Court, spelling out the guidelines and frameworks for the use of the building material, generally used for erecting temporary shades and walls.

The NGO had moved the apex court in 2004 seeking the ban on grounds that it creates serious health problems for the people living under roofs made up of asbestos. (ANI)