The Meghalaya Prohibition of Manufacture, Sale, Use and Throwing of Low Density Plastic Bags Act, 2001, Act, No. 4 of 2001

1. (1) This Act may be called the Meghalaya Prohibition of manufacture, Sale, Use and Throwing of Low Density Plastic Bags Act, 2001.
2. (2) It extends to the whole State of Meghalaya.
3. (3) It shall come into force on such date as this State Government may by a notification in the Official Gazette appoint. Provided that the State Government may appoint different data for different places or areas.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,

1. (a) Act means the Meghalaya Prohibition of Manufacture, Sale, Use and Throwing of Low Density Plastic Bags Act, 2001.
2. (b) Code means the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (Act 2 of 1974);
3. (c) 1Low Density Plastic Bag means a basis in whatever it may be made of plastic, the thickness of which is less than 40 (forty) microns and includes any other such low density plastic container for carrying things; and[
4. (d) State Government means the Government of the State of Meghalaya.

No person shall

1. (a) Manufacture bags made of low density plastic;
2. (b) Sell or use bags made of such low density plastic for storing, carrying dispensing or packing of food stuff and other articles; and
3. (c) Throw, or discard low density plastic bags in public places including road drains and parks.

1) The State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette authorise one or more persons who will be competent to act under the Act. 2) Every person authorised under Clause (1) shall deem to be public servant within the meaning of Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.

Any person who contravenes the provision of the Act shall be punishable with fine which may extend to rupees one hundred and in case of second and subsequent offence with a minimum fine of rupees two hundred which may extend to rupees five hundred.

1) No court other than the Court of Judicial Magistrate of the First Class shall take cognizance of any offences under this Act. 2) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act, except on a complaint in writing by an authorised Officer.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code, offences under this Act shall be cognizable and bailable.

All offences under this Act shall be tried summarily in the manner provided for summary trial under the Code.

The State Government or any person authorised by it by general or special order in this behalf may either before or after the institution of the proceeding compound any offences made punishable by or under this Act.

1) The State Government may, subject to previous publication, make rules to carry out the purpose of this Act. 2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid before the Legislative Assembly.