The Supreme Court on Monday cancelled the Calcutta High Court’s order imposing a blanket ban on the use of firecrackers during Diwali this year.
Photo: NDTVA Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said that there could not be a ‘complete ban on firecrackers.’ The top court, instead, asked the West Bengal government to ‘strengthen mechanism to supervise and implement’ the earlier directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had earlier allowed the use of green firecrackers in its two orders in July and October this year.
The Calcutta High Court had banned all kinds of firecrackers court saying that it would be impossible for the government to distinguish green firecrackers. The high court had said in its order on 29 October, “The State should ensure that there is no use or display or bursting of firecrackers of any type at all during the oncoming Kali Puja, Diwali celebration as well as the following Chatt Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, Guru Nanak’s Birthday and/or Christmas/New Year’s Eve this year. For such purpose, only wax or oil-based diyas might be used.”
The Supreme Court, according to the Bar and Bench website, said, “This is not a new issue. The Supreme Court has already passed order. It has to be implemented uniformly.”
“The HC proceeded to pass blanket order by being influenced by practical realities and lack of mechanism placed by the State before the Court as to how sale of only green crackers duly certified can be allowed,” Livelaw quoted the top court as saying.
The Supreme Court added, “For the time being we only reiterate the position of the Supreme Court on 29th October 2021. Additionally the State of WB will explore the possibility of ensuring that no banned materials are imported. The mechanism may be strengthened.”
The high court had banned all firecrackers in view of the COVID situation and deteriorating air quality in the state.