SARDA PLYWOOD LTD. AND ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914 aims to protect plant life in India by preventing the entry of potentially contaminated imported articles, such as timber logs. The Court clarified that the mere possibility of these logs carrying harmful insects or pests justifies regulatory measures, regardless of whether actual infection occurs. The definition of 'plant' under the relevant notification includes timber logs, affirming the need for treatment to mitigate potential risks to flora.