Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

The Delhi government had imposed a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200 for bursting firecrackers last year.

Firecracker ban reimposed in Delhi to curb winter pollution

Firecracker ban reimposed in Delhi to curb pollution in winter in Delhi

The Delhi government had imposed a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200 for bursting firecrackers last year.

The Delhi government has decided to reimpose the ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the capital as part of an action plan to reduce pollution levels in winter, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the Delhi Police will be issued strict directions to implement the ban in the city.
The Delhi government has been following the practice of banning all kinds of firecrackers for the last three years.
"We have seen a considerable improvement in Delhi's air quality in the last five-six years but we have to improve it further. Therefore, we have decided to ban firecrackers this year too," Rai said.
Last year, the government had announced that bursting firecrackers on Diwali in the city would attract a jail term up to six months and a fine of Rs 200.
It had said production, storage and sale of firecrackers in Delhi would be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and three years in jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/vandalism-arson-as-tdp-workers-protest-against-chandrababu-naidu-s-arrest-1694411942171">Vandalism, arson as TDP workers protest against Chandrababu Naidu's arrest</a>

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Delhi government's order banning storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2023 to check pollution levels in the national capital.
A bench of Justices M R Shah and Krishna Murari expressed concern over pollution levels during Diwali.
"You're a permanent resident of NCR, right? Have you seen the pollution? We do not want to add to the pollution. We are not dismissing your plea, we will consider it," the bench told advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha, appearing for BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.
The lawyer insisted in the court that the air pollution was due to stubble burning.
The top court tagged the petition along with the main matter and said it will come up for hearing before Diwali.
Contending that freedom of religion cannot be taken away under the pretext of the right to life, Tiwari has also sought directions to all states not to take any coercive action like lodging FIR against common people found selling or using permissible firecrackers during the festival season including Diwali.
The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.
The BJP MP, in his plea filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, has said several state governments and certain high courts had in 2021 passed orders contrary to the stand taken by the apex court and imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers.
"With so many different orders, directions and views, it was confusing for the people at large to understand whether the firecrackers were allowed or not despite this court's refusal to put a blanket ban," said in the plea.
"In the name of right to life, freedom of religion cannot be taken away and that a balance has to strike like that has been done through the decision of this court dated October 29, 2021," it said.
The petition alleged that despite clear orders of the top court, certain states and Union Territories did not take necessary steps to ensure proper arrangements for the celebration of Diwali and instead registered FIRs and imposed curfew.
"The chief secretaries, police commissioners, police district superintendents, station house officers, and others in order to comply with the orders of their respective state governments have taken action against the common people who while purchasing the firecrackers did not even have knowledge about the ingredients of the crackers at all," it said.
Tiwari's plea said such arrests and FIRs sent out a "very bad message" to the society at large and unnecessarily created "fear and anger" among the masses.

Supreme Court refuses to lift Delhi govt's ban on firecrackers

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Delhi government's order banning storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2023 to check pollution levels in the national capital.

A bench of Justices M R Shah and Krishna Murari expressed concern over pollution levels during Diwali.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Delhi government's order banning storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2023 to check pollution levels in the national capital.
A bench of Justices M R Shah and Krishna Murari expressed concern over pollution levels during Diwali.
"You're a permanent resident of NCR, right? Have you seen the pollution? We do not want to add to the pollution. We are not dismissing your plea, we will consider it," the bench told advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha, appearing for BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.
The lawyer insisted in the court that the air pollution was due to stubble burning.
The top court tagged the petition along with the main matter and said it will come up for hearing before Diwali.
Contending that freedom of religion cannot be taken away under the pretext of the right to life, Tiwari has also sought directions to all states not to take any coercive action like lodging FIR against common people found selling or using permissible firecrackers during the festival season including Diwali.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-to-declare-cow-as-national-animal-1665389069766">Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea to declare cow as national animal</a>
The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.
The BJP MP, in his plea filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, has said several state governments and certain high courts had in 2021 passed orders contrary to the stand taken by the apex court and imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers.
"With so many different orders, directions and views, it was confusing for the people at large to understand whether the firecrackers were allowed or not despite this court's refusal to put a blanket ban," said in the plea.
"In the name of right to life, freedom of religion cannot be taken away and that a balance has to strike like that has been done through the decision of this court dated October 29, 2021," it said.
The petition alleged that despite clear orders of the top court, certain states and Union Territories did not take necessary steps to ensure proper arrangements for the celebration of Diwali and instead registered FIRs and imposed curfew.
"The chief secretaries, police commissioners, police district superintendents, station house officers, and others in order to comply with the orders of their respective state governments have taken action against the common people who while purchasing the firecrackers did not even have knowledge about the ingredients of the crackers at all," it said.
Tiwari's plea said such arrests and FIRs sent out a "very bad message" to the society at large and unnecessarily created "fear and anger" among the masses.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi government's ban production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in order to check the rising pollution levels in the city.
 Contending that freedom of religion cannot be taken away under the pretext of right to life, Tiwari has sought directions to the city government to issue fresh guidelines with regard to sale, purchase and bursting of permissible firecrackers.
The BJP MP, in a plea filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, has also sought directions to all states not to take any coercive action like lodging FIR against common people found selling or using permissible firecrackers during the upcoming festival season.
The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.
Warning that top officials at various levels "shall be held personally liable" for any lapses, the apex court had said it is unfortunate that despite its directions blatant violations were taking place.
Tiwari submitted that several state governments and high courts had in 2021 passed orders contrary to the stand taken by the top court and imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers.
“With so many different orders, directions and views, it was confusing for the people at large to understand whether the firecrackers were allowed or not despite of this Court's refusal to put a blanket ban.
 "That in the name of Right to life, freedom of religion cannot be taken away and that a balance has to struck like that has been done through the decision of this Court dated October 29, 2021,” the plea drawn by advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha said.
The petition alleged that despite clear orders of the top court, certain states and UTs didn't take necessary steps to ensure proper arrangements for celebration of Deepawali were made and instead registered FIRs and imposed curfew.
“The chief secretaries, police commissioners, police district superintendents, station house officers and others in order to comply with the orders of their respective state governments have taken action against the common people who while purchasing the firecrackers didn't even have knowledge about the ingredients of the crackers at all.  
“That such arrests and FIRs on the festive season like Deepawali has not only brought a very bad message to the society at large and has unnecessarily created a fear and anger among the masses,” the plea said. 
 

Ban on crackers in Delhi: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari moves SC, cites 'freedom of religion'

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi government's ban production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in order to check the rising pollution levels in the city.

Tiwari submitted that several state governments and high courts had in 2021 passed orders contrary to the stand taken by the top court and imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers leading to confusion.&nbsp;

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi government's ban on production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in order to check the rising pollution levels in the city.
&nbsp;Contending that freedom of religion cannot be taken away under the pretext of right to life, Tiwari has sought directions to the city government to issue fresh guidelines with regard to sale, purchase and bursting of permissible firecrackers.
The BJP MP, in a plea filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, has also sought directions to all states not to take any coercive action like lodging FIR against common people found selling or using permissible firecrackers during the upcoming festival season.
The top court had last year clarified there is no blanket ban on use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited.
Warning that top officials at various levels "shall be held personally liable" for any lapses, the apex court had said it is unfortunate that despite its directions blatant violations were taking place.
Tiwari submitted that several state governments and high courts had in 2021 passed orders contrary to the stand taken by the top court and imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers.
&ldquo;With so many different orders, directions and views, it was confusing for the people at large to understand whether the firecrackers were allowed or not despite of this Court's refusal to put a blanket ban.
&nbsp;"That in the name of Right to life, freedom of religion cannot be taken away and that a balance has to struck like that has been done through the decision of this Court dated October 29, 2021,&rdquo; the plea drawn by advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha said.
The petition alleged that despite clear orders of the top court, certain states and UTs didn't take necessary steps to ensure proper arrangements for celebration of Deepawali were made and instead registered FIRs and imposed curfew.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/delhi-govt-bans-production-sale-use-of-firecrackers-till-jan-1-2023-1662534591575"> Delhi govt bans production, sale, use of firecrackers till Jan 1, 2023</a>
&ldquo;The chief secretaries, police commissioners, police district superintendents, station house officers and others in order to comply with the orders of their respective state governments have taken action against the common people who while purchasing the firecrackers didn't even have knowledge about the ingredients of the crackers at all. &nbsp;
&ldquo;That such arrests and FIRs on the festive season like Deepawali has not only brought a very bad message to the society at large and has unnecessarily created a fear and anger among the masses,&rdquo; the plea said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

delhi fireworks ban : Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers will be banned in the national capital till January 1, 2023. 

Delhi Firecracker Ban : Delhi govt bans production, sale, use of firecrackers till Jan 1, 2023

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers will be banned in the national capital till January 1, 2023. 

Delhi govt bans production, sale, use of firecrackers till Jan 1, 2023

The ban extends to online sale and delivery of firecrackers as well.&nbsp;

Delhi Firecracker Ban : Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers will be banned in the national capital till January 1, 2023
He said the ban extends to online sale and delivery of firecrackers as well.
"Production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers are being completely banned so that people's lives can be saved," Rai tweeted.
"Online sale/delivery of firecrackers will also be banned in Delhi this time. The restriction will remain in force till January 1, 2023," he said.
Rai said an action plan will be drawn up with the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Revenue Department to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
Last year, the Delhi government had ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the national capital from September 28 to January 1, 2022.
The city government had also launched the 'patakhe nahi diye jalao' campaign to create awareness against burning of firecrackers.
The action was taken under relevant Indian Penal Code provisions and the Explosives Act against those found burning firecrackers.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/coal-pilferage-case-cbi-carries-out-searches-at-premises-of-west-bengal-minister-moloy-ghatak-1662531646868">Coal pilferage case: CBI carries out searches at premises of West Bengal minister Moloy Ghatak</a>

At least 10 people died and nine others suffered serious injuries in a massive explosion that took place inside a house in Bihar's Bhagalpur on Friday. Officials said that house was being used as a factory to make illegal firecrackers.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said the blast took place inside the house of Mahendra Mandal in Kajbalichak locality of the town in the early hours.
Two other neigbouring houses were also reduced to rubble due to the impact of the blast.
Teams of bomb disposal squad and forensic experts were collecting samples to ascertain the type of material that caused the blast.
The 10 bodies recovered so far were badly disfigured and the administration was yet to confirm the identities of the deceased.
Nine survivors have been rushed to a hospital.
Officials said Mandal has been previously involved in illegal manufacture of firecrackers, and a similar explosion at his house in 2008 had killed three people, including his wife.

Bihar: 10 killed in blast at illegal firecrackers factory, 3 houses reduced to rubble

Bihar: Explosion at illegal firecracker factory in Bhagalpur
10 killed &amp; 9 injured in blast, 3 houses reduced to rubble
Dead bodies badly disfigured, identities still unknown
Same family was involved in firecrackers blast in 2008

The 10 bodies recovered were badly disfigured and the administration was yet to confirm the identities of the deceased

At least 10 people died and nine others suffered serious injuries in a massive explosion that took place inside a house in Bihar's Bhagalpur on Friday. Officials said that house was being used as a factory to make illegal firecrackers.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said the blast took place inside the house of Mahendra Mandal in Kajbalichak locality of the town in the early hours.
Two other neigbouring houses were also reduced to rubble due to the impact of the blast.
Teams of bomb disposal squad and forensic experts were collecting samples to ascertain the type of material that caused the blast.
The 10 bodies recovered so far were badly disfigured and the administration was yet to confirm the identities of the deceased.
Nine survivors have been rushed to a hospital.
Officials said Mandal has been previously involved in illegal manufacture of firecrackers, and a similar explosion at his house in 2008 had killed three people, including his wife.
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/ukraine-war-dead-body-takes-more-space-bjp-mla-s-shocker-on-student-killed-in-ukraine-1646377681604">Ukraine war | 'Dead body takes more space', BJP MLA's shocker on student killed in Ukraine</a>

A father and son were killed near the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu&nbsp;border after the locally made fireworks they were carrying on their scooter exploded. 3 others were injured in the explosion in&nbsp;Villupuram district on Thursday.&nbsp;
CCTV footage of the incident shows a two-wheeler suddenly bursting into flames just as it crossed a police barricade. Another person on a two-wheeler approaching from the wrong side loses control and falls down.
The father was 35-years-old and the son 7.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Crackers on scooter explode, father-son duo killed in Tamil Nadu

A father and son were killed near the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu border after the locally made fireworks they were carrying on their scooter exploded

A father and son were killed near the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu&nbsp;border after the locally made fireworks they were carrying on their scooter exploded. 3 others were injured in the explosion in&nbsp;Villupuram district on Thursday.&nbsp;
CCTV footage of the incident shows a two-wheeler suddenly bursting into flames just as it crossed a police barricade. Another person on a two-wheeler approaching from the wrong side loses control and falls down.
The father was 35-years-old and the son 7.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

CCTV footage of the incident shows a two-wheeler suddenly bursting into flames just as it crossed a police barricade.

A father and son were killed near the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu&nbsp;border after the locally made fireworks they were carrying on their scooter exploded. 3 others were injured in the explosion in&nbsp;Villupuram district on Thursday.&nbsp;
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/supreme-court-on-firecrackers-during-diwali-can-t-impose-blanket-ban-1635781711373">Supreme Court on firecrackers during Diwali: can't impose blanket ban</a>
CCTV footage of the incident shows a two-wheeler suddenly bursting into flames just as it crossed a police barricade. Another person on a two-wheeler approaching from the wrong side loses control and falls down.
The father was 35-years-old and the son 7.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

There cannot be a complete ban on firecrackers and the mechanism to stop their misuse has to be strengthened, the Supreme Court said on Monday setting aside the Calcutta High Court order banning firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali and other festivals this year to check air pollution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A special bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi also asked the West Bengal government to explore the possibility to ensure at the entry point itself that the banned firecrackers and related items are not imported into the state.
"There cannot be a complete ban on firecrackers. Strengthen the mechanism to supervise and see that misuse is stopped," the bench observed, adding that this is not a new issue and it is the executive which has to take a call on the issue.
While setting aside the high court's order, the Supreme Court also gave liberty to any party to approach the High Court with adequate materials.
"For the time being we only reiterate the position recorded in the order of the Supreme Court on 29th October 2021. Additionally the State of West Bengal will explore the possibility of ensuring that no banned materials are imported. The mechanism may be strengthened," the top court said.
The bench, which assembled during the Diwali break, was hearing the pleas against the October 29 order of the high court banning the sale, use and purchase of all types of firecrackers in the state.
"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," the high court had said.
Only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasion, it had said.
At the outset, senior advocate Siddhartha Bhatnagar, appearing for the association of dealers, referred to the 2020 orders of the National Green Tribunal allowing the use of green crackers.
He also pointed to the recent order of the apex court which said there is no total ban on use of firecrackers and only those fireworks are banned which affect the health of children, senior citizens.
"This is the situation. Green crackers are not banned. We will strictly go by the direction of the Supreme Court and the NGT," he said.
The apex court, however, said the practical difficulties are for the executive to keep in mind.
The high court has not defined what practical difficulty except saying that implementation will be difficult.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the apex court that he appears for the petitioner Arjun Gopal in the ongoing case in the apex court on firecrackers.
"I need to give your Lordships a background. We found that the manufacturers were constantly manufacturing non green crackers. The apex court records this and notices this in the recent order dated October 29," he said.
"CBI had found that several kilograms of barium, which is a banned substance, was being used by the firecracker manufacturers... Implementing agencies lack the desire to implement the directions of the Supreme Court," he quoted from the apex court order.
Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for West Bengal, said the state has been complying and enforcing the orders of the apex court.
"There is a mobile application available like a road traffic app. The police scan the barcode through the application to find out the genuineness of the crackers. The state police have been active. This issue has come out of the blue in the judgment," he said, adding that there is an unreasonable apprehension of the high court on the issue of implementation.
The top court in its order said, "The state submits that officials are taking necessary steps to ensure that directions issued by this Court are complied with in letter and spirit. We set aside the impugned order and permit any person interested to approach the High Court by placing all relevant materials." It said the high court proceeded to pass a blanket order by being influenced by practical realities and lack of mechanism placed by the state before the court as to how the sale/burst/ lighting of only green crackers which are duly certified can be allowed.
"This aspect, as it is stated, was never debated during the course of argument. Mr Grover on instructions submitted that had the court called upon the parties to explain the position, the state govt as well as the state pollution control board would bring all aspects of the matter to the attention of the court...
"We do not deem it necessary to dilate on this aspect as we are convinced that if the HC wanted to impose complete ban should have called up on the parties to offer explanation about the aspects which weigh in to pass such an extreme order and departure from the consistent view by this court on October 29, 2021," the bench said.
The apex court said it has reiterated the regime delineated by the NGT in respect of manufacture and sale of firecrackers in its earlier order.
"This departure from that regime, something different, has to be pointed out at the ground level including inaction of the executive at the ground level.
"The State submits that officials are taking necessary steps to ensure that directions issued by this Court are complied with in letter and spirit. If there is any inaction on the part of the officials concerned, appropriate remedy will be taken in the matter . We accept this assurance.... We set aside the impugned order and permit any person interested to approach the High Court by placing all relevant materials," it said.
The authorities concerned shall abide by the set regime, it said.
"Additionally, West Bengal may explore the possibility of ensuring that no import of banned firecrackers or related items within the state at the entry point itself. That mechanism can be strengthened in addition to the strict supervision and verification at places where the trading of fire crackers occurs," the bench said.
In its order, the high court had said that the expression firecrackers will cover all types of sparklers as well as other similar materials, whether or not their bursting or burning involves any sound or light generation.
"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," the high court had said.
It had said that only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasion.
It had directed the police to maintain a strict vigil to ensure that there is no further sale or purchase of firecrackers and take appropriate measures against those found violating the order.
The petition in the high court had claimed that the bursting of firecrackers of all classes will severely endanger the right to life of the citizens of the state, particularly in view of the worsening pandemic situation, as it would increase air pollution.
It had sought a re-imposition of the ban that the court had ordered before Diwali and Chhath in 2020.
On October 29, the apex court had said celebration cannot be at the cost of others' health and clarified that while there is no total ban on the use of firecrackers, fireworks which contain Barium salts are prohibited.
Warning that top officials at various levels "shall be held personally liable" for any lapses, the apex court had said it is unfortunate that despite various directions issued by it there is a blatant violation going on.

Supreme Court on firecrackers during Diwali: can't impose blanket ban

The Supreme Court Monday set aside a Calcutta High Court banning the sale, purchase and use of all firecrackers to curb air pollution amid Covid-19 pandemic.

Setting aside the Calcutta High Court order banning firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali and other festivals this year to check air pollution amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court has ruled that there&nbsp;cannot be a complete ban on firecrackers and the mechanism to stop their misuse has to be strengthened. A special bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi also asked the West Bengal government to explore the possibility to ensure at the entry point itself that the banned firecrackers and related items are not imported into the state.
While setting aside the high court's order, the Supreme Court also gave liberty to any party to approach the High Court with adequate materials.
The apex court said it has reiterated the regime delineated by the NGT in respect of manufacture and sale of firecrackers in its earlier order.
On October 29, the apex court had said celebration cannot be at the cost of others' health and clarified that while there is no total ban on the use of firecrackers, fireworks which contain Barium salts are prohibited. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&nbsp;urged people to abide by the Supreme Court order and use only green crackers for celebrations on Kali Puja and Diwali.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/partner/news-minute/in-india-s-firework-capital-workers-are-risking-their-lives-to-illegally-make-crackers-at-home-1633000732019">ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;In India&rsquo;s firework capital, workers are risking their lives to illegally make crackers at home</a>

While setting aside the high court's order, the Supreme Court also gave liberty to any party to approach the High Court with adequate materials.

There cannot be a complete ban on firecrackers and the mechanism to stop their misuse has to be strengthened, the Supreme Court said on Monday setting aside the Calcutta High Court order banning firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali and other festivals this year to check air pollution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A special bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi also asked the West Bengal government to explore the possibility to ensure at the entry point itself that the banned firecrackers and related items are not imported into the state.
"There cannot be a complete ban on firecrackers. Strengthen the mechanism to supervise and see that misuse is stopped," the bench observed, adding that this is not a new issue and it is the executive which has to take a call on the issue.
While setting aside the high court's order, the Supreme Court also gave liberty to any party to approach the High Court with adequate materials.
"For the time being we only reiterate the position recorded in the order of the Supreme Court on 29th October 2021. Additionally the State of West Bengal will explore the possibility of ensuring that no banned materials are imported. The mechanism may be strengthened," the top court said.
The bench, which assembled during the Diwali break, was hearing the pleas against the October 29 order of the high court banning the sale, use and purchase of all types of firecrackers in the state.
"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," the high court had said.
Only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasion, it had said.
At the outset, senior advocate Siddhartha Bhatnagar, appearing for the association of dealers, referred to the 2020 orders of the National Green Tribunal allowing the use of green crackers.
He also pointed to the recent order of the apex court which said there is no total ban on use of firecrackers and only those fireworks are banned which affect the health of children, senior citizens.
"This is the situation. Green crackers are not banned. We will strictly go by the direction of the Supreme Court and the NGT," he said.
The apex court, however, said the practical difficulties are for the executive to keep in mind.
The high court has not defined what practical difficulty except saying that implementation will be difficult.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the apex court that he appears for the petitioner Arjun Gopal in the ongoing case in the apex court on firecrackers.
"I need to give your Lordships a background. We found that the manufacturers were constantly manufacturing non green crackers. The apex court records this and notices this in the recent order dated October 29," he said.
"CBI had found that several kilograms of barium, which is a banned substance, was being used by the firecracker manufacturers... Implementing agencies lack the desire to implement the directions of the Supreme Court," he quoted from the apex court order.
Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for West Bengal, said the state has been complying and enforcing the orders of the apex court.
"There is a mobile application available like a road traffic app. The police scan the barcode through the application to find out the genuineness of the crackers. The state police have been active. This issue has come out of the blue in the judgment," he said, adding that there is an unreasonable apprehension of the high court on the issue of implementation.
The top court in its order said, "The state submits that officials are taking necessary steps to ensure that directions issued by this Court are complied with in letter and spirit. We set aside the impugned order and permit any person interested to approach the High Court by placing all relevant materials." It said the high court proceeded to pass a blanket order by being influenced by practical realities and lack of mechanism placed by the state before the court as to how the sale/burst/ lighting of only green crackers which are duly certified can be allowed.
"This aspect, as it is stated, was never debated during the course of argument. Mr Grover on instructions submitted that had the court called upon the parties to explain the position, the state govt as well as the state pollution control board would bring all aspects of the matter to the attention of the court...
"We do not deem it necessary to dilate on this aspect as we are convinced that if the HC wanted to impose complete ban should have called up on the parties to offer explanation about the aspects which weigh in to pass such an extreme order and departure from the consistent view by this court on October 29, 2021," the bench said.
The apex court said it has reiterated the regime delineated by the NGT in respect of manufacture and sale of firecrackers in its earlier order.
"This departure from that regime, something different, has to be pointed out at the ground level including inaction of the executive at the ground level.
"The State submits that officials are taking necessary steps to ensure that directions issued by this Court are complied with in letter and spirit. If there is any inaction on the part of the officials concerned, appropriate remedy will be taken in the matter . We accept this assurance.... We set aside the impugned order and permit any person interested to approach the High Court by placing all relevant materials," it said.
The authorities concerned shall abide by the set regime, it said.
"Additionally, West Bengal may explore the possibility of ensuring that no import of banned firecrackers or related items within the state at the entry point itself. That mechanism can be strengthened in addition to the strict supervision and verification at places where the trading of fire crackers occurs," the bench said.
In its order, the high court had said that the expression firecrackers will cover all types of sparklers as well as other similar materials, whether or not their bursting or burning involves any sound or light generation.
"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," the high court had said.
It had said that only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasion.
It had directed the police to maintain a strict vigil to ensure that there is no further sale or purchase of firecrackers and take appropriate measures against those found violating the order.
The petition in the high court had claimed that the bursting of firecrackers of all classes will severely endanger the right to life of the citizens of the state, particularly in view of the worsening pandemic situation, as it would increase air pollution.
It had sought a re-imposition of the ban that the court had ordered before Diwali and Chhath in 2020.
On October 29, the apex court had said celebration cannot be at the cost of others' health and clarified that while there is no total ban on the use of firecrackers, fireworks which contain Barium salts are prohibited.
Warning that top officials at various levels "shall be held personally liable" for any lapses, the apex court had said it is unfortunate that despite various directions issued by it there is a blatant violation going on.
&nbsp;
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/haryana-bans-firecrackers-in-14-districts-near-delhi-ahead-of-diwali-1635675643226">Haryana bans firecrackers in 14 districts near Delhi ahead of Diwali</a>

firecrackers

Categories