On May 7, 2002, the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa introduced the Tamil Nadu Plastic Articles (Prohibition of Sale, Storage, Transport and Use) Bill. The Bill sought a ban on the use of "non-recyclable" plastic bags, cups, plates and tumblers, and a range of plastic articles used in food establishments, such as forks, spoons, cords or strings, sheets and mats and the distribution of newspapers and periodicals wrapped in plastic. A fine of Rs. 25,000 was proposed for a violation.
The preamble to the Bill mentioned the "rapid increase" in the use of "non-reusable" throwaway plastic articles, particularly in eating establishments, canteens and marriage halls, and said it "causes significant environment(al) risk and health hazards". It also pointed out that such materials stored in landfills contaminate groundwater and prevent percolation of rain water into the ground.
While social activists and environmental groups hailed the move, industry opposed it citing large-scale unemployment in plastic manufacturing units. Opposition parties criticized the move for not providing cheap and convenient alternatives to people.
The Tamil Nadu Plastic Manufacturers Association issued an advertisement claiming that more than four lakh workers employed in 5,000 plastic manufacturing units in the State would be rendered unemployed due to the ban.
The bill was also criticised for not defining the physical properties of the plastics it sought to ban, including thickness. Experts were critical of the bill for overlooking the most lethal of plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a known carcinogen.
On May 8, due to opposition from different quarters, the bill was referred to a House Select Committee for further discussion. It was withdrawn in January 2003.