1. The grievance of the petitioner, who is a member of the public, is that carcinogenic-asbestos had been used for roofing in the High Court main building. According to the petitioner, there is sufficient study material indicating that asbestos-sheets used for roofing could cause cancer. In para 4 of the petition, the petitioner has mentioned the chemicals used for manufacturing these asbestos-sheets which have extraordinary tensile strength. The petitioner has contended, placing reliance on the various documents, issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), and other materials obtained from the Internet, that the exposure to asbestos including chrysotile causes lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The petitioner has, therefore, submitted that the High Court should not continue to use these materials for roofing, especially after legislation in different parts of the world has been enacted on recognizing the potential health risk of asbestos to the citizens at large. Even in India several Acts recognized the fact that asbestos is a health-hazard.
2. The High Court main building is undergoing repairs with the assistance of the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of West Bengal and other Authorities. When the entire renovation is undertaken, it is expected that the High Court and the PWD or, any other body entrusted with the renovation will ensure that the asbestos-sheets, which have been used for roofing, would be replaced by any other materials which are non-carcinogenic.
3. The writ petition is disposed of accordingly.