Can Endosulfan stock be exported: SC asks expert panel

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today asked an expert panel appointed by it to explore the possibility of exporting the unused stock of Endosulfan manufactured here to other countries.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia said the panel would also consider how much of the Endosulfan stock can be exported against the orders for supply of the pesticide from other countries.

It also said the committee will also look into the steps required to deal with unexported Endosufan.

The bench said the court would also like to know the steps to be taken in accordance with environmental norms, based on international conventions concerning Endosulfan and asked the panel to give its report within three weeks.

The apex court had on May 13 imposed a complete ban on production, sale and use of Endosulfan holding that human life is more important than anything else and it did not want even a single child to suffer.

The court's order had came on a petition seeking a ban on Endolsulfan on the ground that it was causing health hazards including genetic disorders in Kerala where it is widely used.

The bench had said it was concerned about right to life of the citizen guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and even the companies involved in the manufacturing of the controversial pesticide cannot ignore corporate and social responsibility by ignoring the hazards posed to human lives.