The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the blanket ban on firecrackers imposed by the Calcutta HC. A vacation bench of the Apex court has allowed the use of green crackers in areas where air quality is ‘good’ or ‘moderate’.
File photo of the Supreme Court of India | PTI
The Supreme Court of India has set aside a blanket ban on firecrackers imposed by the Calcutta High Court in West Bengal. Certified green crackers can be sold and burst in areas where air quality is “good” or “moderate”, the bench ruled.
An order in this regard was passed by a vacation bench of the Apex court comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi. The bench was hearing two petitions challenging the Calcutta HC’s blanket ban on firecrackers, including green crackers. The petitions were filed by firecracker dealers.
The two-judge bench stated that the Apex court’s order dated October 29, 2021, was clear. Authorities concerned informed the court that they would abide by the regime laid down in that order.
READ: Amid ban on crackers, Sivakasi’s fireworks industries stare at another gloomy Diwali
In addition, the Supreme Court has allowed both petitioners and the state of West Bengal to submit data regarding their arguments.
The West Bengal government has also been instructed to ensure that there is no import of banned firecrackers or related items into the state.
On October 29 of this year, the Calcutta HC had banned the use of firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali, Chhat Puja and New Year’s celebrations.
Stating that only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasions, the high court’s order had said, “The state should ensure that there is no use or display or bursting of firecrackers of any type at all during Kali Puja, Diwali celebrations as well as Chhath Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, Guru Nanak’s birthday and Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations this year.”
One of the pleas challenging the HC’s order stated, “The high court failed to appreciate that green crackers with reduced emissions by a minimum of 30 per cent have been introduced into the local market. These are environmentally friendly.”
(with inputs from PTI)
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