In a significant move aimed at strengthening public safety and environmental protection, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has approved two stringent laws recently passed by the state government. These laws are targeted at curbing aggressive loan recovery tactics and the illegal disposal of biomedical waste—both growing concerns across the state.
The first law seeks to penalize coercive loan recovery practices. Under this legislation, individuals or entities using forceful or threatening methods to recover loans could face imprisonment of up to five years along with a fine that may extend to ₹5 lakh. This law is expected to offer much-needed relief to victims of predatory lending and unofficial loan agents, who often resort to intimidation, public shaming, and even violence to extract payments.
The move comes in the wake of several tragic incidents across Tamil Nadu, where borrowers, particularly those from vulnerable communities, have been driven to suicide or faced physical harm due to aggressive tactics employed by private loan sharks and some unauthorized financial firms.
Speaking about the legislation, a senior government official said, “This new law is a message that the state will not tolerate any form of harassment in the name of loan recovery. The aim is to protect people, especially daily wage earners and the poor, from psychological and physical abuse.”
Meanwhile, the second law focuses on illegal dumping of biomedical waste—a matter of growing concern especially after the COVID-19 pandemic which saw a surge in medical waste such as syringes, PPE kits, and contaminated materials. The law enables the state to use provisions under the Goondas Act—which allows for preventive detention without trial for up to one year—to act against individuals or institutions that are found to be dumping biomedical waste irresponsibly.
Authorities say this step was essential due to the increasing number of cases where biomedical waste, including hazardous and infectious material, was being dumped in open lands, water bodies, and even near residential areas, thereby posing a grave risk to public health and the environment.
An official from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) explained, “Despite clear guidelines and regulations, there are frequent violations by hospitals, clinics, and medical waste handlers. With this law, the state can now preventively detain habitual or large-scale offenders, acting before more damage is done.”
According to reports, violators under this law could be detained without bail and can be subject to intense scrutiny by enforcement agencies. The Goondas Act, which is usually applied to bootleggers, drug offenders, and human traffickers, will now include biomedical waste offenders in its ambit, making Tamil Nadu one of the first Indian states to take such a firm stance on environmental health.
The move has drawn praise from environmental groups and public health experts. Dr. Shanti Krishnamurthy, a Chennai-based environmental health specialist, said, “Biomedical waste is highly infectious and its irresponsible disposal is a ticking time bomb. The government’s action is both timely and necessary.”
However, some civil rights groups have expressed concern about the use of preventive detention laws, urging the state to ensure checks and balances to prevent misuse.
These laws come at a time when Tamil Nadu is striving to balance development with public safety and environmental responsibility. With the Governor’s assent, the two bills have now become enforceable acts and are expected to be implemented across the state immediately.
Sources:
