28th October 2015

- Hindustan Times

SC refuses to ban Diwali crackers, directs Centre to spread awareness

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to ban bursting of crackers on Diwali saying it was not possible to give orders that cannot be implemented.

“After all people may claim they have a right to burst crackers...therefore cannot give a direction hurriedly,” a bench headed by chief Justice HL Dattu said.

The top court, however, reiterated its earlier decision that crackers cannot be used between 10pm and 6am while disposing off a petition filed in the name of three infants calling for a blanket ban.
Earlier, the Centre in its reply to the notice indicated it was not in favour of a blanket ban saying bursting of crackers during Diwali is not the only cause for air pollution.

The Centre said the “causes and mitigation of air pollution is multi-sectoral in nature and air pollution may be prevented, abated and controlled by a multi-disciplinary approach through joint efforts of various ministries/departments.”

The petition filed through the legal guardians of the infants demanded, among other things, a total ban on the use of firecrackers during festivals.

Hindu organisations countered the petition saying bursting crackers on Diwali has been the Hindu tradition for hundreds of years and implementing a complete ban will hurt their religious sentiments.
The petition was also opposed by organisation of firecracker manufacturers saying the ban would seriously affect the industry and the livelihood of lakhs of workers.