Madras HC upholds microplastics labelling order, cites disclosure principle

The Madras High Court has refused to reconsider its order requiring labelling of microplastics in packaged water, salt and sugar products. The court invoked the 'disclosure principle', holding that scientific uncertainty about the precise health impact of microplastics cannot be grounds to suspend provisional regulatory measures.

The court clarified it had not declared these packaged goods unsafe, but rather sought transparency through mandatory labelling. The decision emphasises that lack of complete scientific certainty on health effects does not prevent authorities from adopting precautionary measures in the public interest.