Underscoring the importance of strict regulatory compliance in matters concerning agrochemicals and public safety, a Division Bench ofDelhi High Court (corum: C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla) has quashed the registration granted to aDelhi-based company, Crystal Crop Protection Limited (CCPL)for the import and manufacture of Halosulfuron methyl, a herbicide used to treat sledges and weeds in crops such as sugarcane and maize.CCPL obtained a permit in 2011 for the import of samples manufactured and supplied by M/s Fertiagro,Singapore.
However, CCPL subsequently applied for a Registration Certificate in 2016 for the import of Halosulfuron Methyl 98% manufactured by Jiangsu Agrochemicals, China and supplied by M/s Hebei Bestar,China.The Registration Committee granted the Registration Certificate despite this discrepancy and in the-absence of any material demonstrating that M/s Jiangsu Agrochemicals was authorised to manufacture Halosulfuron Methyl 98% in 2011. Notably,M/s Jiangsu Agrochemicals was granted temporary registration for the manufacture of Halosulfuron Methyl98% only in October 2018.
The High Court held last week that the grant of theRegistration Certificate underSection 9(3) was manifestly illegal. As a consequence of the judgment, CCPL is no longer entitled to import Halosulfuron Methyl 98% or undertake the indigenous manufacture of Halosulfuron methyl 75% WG.
In a detailed order, the Court recognised the serious consequences that may arise from the import and use of pesticides/insecticides sourced from an untested or unauthorised manufacturer,and stressed the potential risks posed to human and animal life, as well as the adverse impact such products may have on the environment. The orders came on aLetters Patent Appeal preferred by Dhanuka Agritech Limited, who were represented by Ms. Shoba Ramamoorthy,Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India.