Chaini Parwani-
Published On: October 06, 2021 at 18:22 IST
The Supreme Court said that firecracker manufacturers were using banned articles under the disguise of Green Crackers and reiterated that its earlier Order banning joint crackers must be complied with by every State.
A Bench comprising of Justices M.R. Shah and A.S. Bopanna stated “The top court is not averse to celebration but not at the cost of life of other citizens.”
As the hearing started, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing Petitioner Arjun Gopal, observed that they have filed an additional Affidavit on the basis of the CBI Report and what has transpired is indeed inappropriate.
Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, representing Manufacturers’ Association of Firecrackers, claiming that the industry should work as per the protocol issued by the Government stated, “It is an organised industry. Around five lakh families depend on us. So far Sivakasi is concerned, we are taking all the precautions.”
The Bench replied, “Have you seen the reply by the manufacturers. What they say is very surprising. They say that when they are found to have purchased a huge quantity of barium salt, it is to be kept in godown but not to be used for manufacture. It’s not for show that they are keeping it godown.”
Senior Advocate Rajiv Dutta stated if a few manufacturers are violating the orders the entire industry should not suffer.
The Apex court asked the parties to exchange copies of counter affidavits filed in response to the CBI report and posted the matter for hearing on October 26.
The Apex Court observed that manufacturers such as Hindustan Fireworks and Standard Fireworks buy barium in huge quantities and use these chemicals in the fireworks.
The SC had said it cannot infringe the right to life of other citizens under the guise of employment while considering a ban on firecrackers and its prime focus is the right to life of innocent citizens.
In the earlier Orders, the Apex Court had said that while determining a ban on firecrackers, it is crucial to take into account the Fundamental Right of Livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the Right to Health of over 1.3 billion people of the country.
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