Writ at SC against govt for backtracking from decision to test veggies for pesticide

Kathmandu / July 9: A writ has been filed at the Supreme Court against the government for rolling back its earlier decision to check for permitted levels of pesticides in vegetables and fruits imported from India, at the border.

Advocates Swagat Nepal and Narayan Prasad Duwadi filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the apex court today. THT online quoted Advocate Nepal as saying that the PIL calls for the Supreme Court to issue an order which directs the government to test the fruits and vegetables imported from India, as well as those produced locally, to determine the permissible levels of chemicals before they are sent to the market for public consumption.

Advocate Nepal stressed that the notice was filed because the government’s decision had put fundamental rights of Nepali citizens — including consumer rights and right to health — at risk. He said, the decision to not check for pesticides would especially affect maternal & child health and child development, among others, extending the negative impact of the decision to the next generation.