Bangalore, Feb 23 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court today ordered issue of notices to the state government and Minister for Energy, Food and Civil supplies on a petition challenging the ban imposed on the use of Endosulphan pesticide. 

Justice B S Patil, hearing the petition filed by Endosulphan Manufacturers' and Formulators' Welfare Association (EMFWA) challenging the ban, ordered issue of notices to the Karnataka government and minister Shobha Karandlaje.

The petition prayed for a direction to the state government not to withdraw the production and sale of Endosulphan 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 Feb 17 government decision was "arbitrary and motivated" and said there was no link between use of Endosulphan and allegations about health problems.
The Karnataka government clamped a 60-day ban on sale, manufacture and use of Endosulphan and urged the Centre to ban the pesticide permanently.

The pesticide has been banned in Kerala, which has also been pressing for a similar step nation-wide.

Kerala had banned the pesticide following its 'ill-effects' on people in Kasargode district where it was sprayed on cashew plantations.