Faced with the startling data that only 224 out of the estimated 788 packaged drinking water manufacturing units in the State operate with ISI certification, the High Court on Friday directed companies without that seal of quality to apply for licences before the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) within 15 days.

The court also directed the BIS to finish the formalities of application processing and follow-up procedures within four months and after that, take action against those agencies and companies that sell water without ISI certification.