Karnataka govt's Endosulfan ban challenged in high court

The Endosulfan Manufacturers' and Formulators' Welfare Association (EMFWA) today filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the ban imposed by the state government on the use of the pesticide.
    
The petition prayed for a direction to the state government not to withdraw production and sale of Endosulfan in the state, and also not make any "ad-hoc" statement that might harm the interests of the manufacturers and traders.
    
EMFWA contended that the decision was "arbitrary and motivated" and said there was no link between use of Endosulfan and allegations of health problems.
    
EMFWA asserted that there was no scientific evidence that the usage of Endosulfan caused illness.
    
The Karnataka Government banned use of Endosulfan with immediate effect yesterday citing health hazards.