Supreme Court refuses to stay NGT ban on RO filters, asks manufacturers to approach govt

The Supreme Court on November 22 asked the RO Manufacturers Association to approach the government on the National Green Tribunal’s order prohibiting use of reverse osmosis (RO) purifiers where total dissolved solids (TDS) in water are below 500 mg per litre.

The apex court said this while hearing a petition filed by Water Quality India Association, representing the RO manufacturers, challenging the NGT’s order which had directed the government to regulate the use of purifiers and sensitise public about the ill effects of demineralised water.

A Bench of Justices R.F. Nariman and S. Ravindra Bhat said the association can approach the concerned ministry within ten days with relevant materials in this regard and the government will consider it before issuing a notification as per the NGT’s direction.