Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Supreme Court, hearing a case related to the use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, said that it is not considering a complete ban on firecrackers across the country. The court stressed the need to strike a balance between religious sentiments and concerns related to public health and the environment.
Justice M.M. Sundresh observed that firecrackers cannot be allowed to be used round the clock. The court indicated that it may consider fixing specific hours for bursting crackers and determining the types of firecrackers that can be used.
The Supreme Court also gave the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) time to examine the use of barium in firecrackers and determine permissible decibel levels. Time was also sought for conducting joint fire tests.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the court that outdoor testing of barium-based firecrackers is yet to be conducted. She sought time until October 15 to complete the process.
During the hearing, Bhati also said that certain types of joint firecrackers could be manufactured subject to conditions. The court then asked what was meant by “joint firecrackers”.
Bhati explained that these are similar to “ladi” or strings of firecrackers. A joint firecracker, commonly known as a ladi, is a long chain made by connecting several small firecrackers with a thread or wire. It is also popularly referred to as a “firecracker garland” or “chatai cracker”.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter next on October 15.
