In a much-needed summer respite for advocates and litigants, the Advocate Association of Western India (AAWI) has announced that the Hon’ble Chief Justice Alok Aradhe of the Bombay High Court has granted a conditional relaxation on the prohibition of single-use plastic water bottles within the High Court premises. This move comes after persistent efforts by AAWI following last year's stringent ban imposed by the Administration headed by then Chief Justice, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya.

Last year, the High Court administartion had enforced a blanket ban on the use of plastic bottles on the High Court premises, leading to their complete prohibition, which in turn had caused considerable inconvenience to court-goers, especially during the harsh summer months. Recognizing the practical difficulties faced by the legal fraternity, AAWI has since been consistently advocating for a reconsideration of the ban.

Responding to AAWI’s request, the current Chief Justice has now permitted individuals to carry single-use plastic water bottles into the High Court premises—with the explicit condition that users must ensure proper and responsible disposal of the bottles. However, carrying or using such bottles inside courtrooms or court halls remains strictly prohibited.

The notice issued by AAWI Secretary Suresh Sabrad underlines that any violation of these conditions will be viewed seriously, urging all concerned to strictly comply with the directions.

The official notice reads as follows: