Supreme Court says ban on sale of firecrackers to remain

Refusing to revisit its October 9 banning sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali, the Supreme Court on Friday said it was “deeply anguished” to see that its order was given a communal colour.

The top court was referring to some politicians and activists terming the ban as “anti-Hindu”. The court said its main concern was the health of the masses. “... some people are trying to give a communal tinge to our order. We are pained to hear such comments... But, we will consider that as people expressing their anguish at our order... If someone knows me, I am myself spiritual in these matters. But this is a legal issue,” Justice A.K. Sikri, who heads Bench, said.

The bench then dismissed a plea by the firecracker traders to be allowed to sell a limited amount of goods. However, the bench also pointed to the fact that its October 9 order had only suspended sale and not imposed restriction on bursting of crackers.

“Who said we have banned the bursting of crackers. The existing stockpile of crackers is enough,” Justice Sikri said.

To a suggestion by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi that the court designate the time and days for bursting crackers, the bench said it was doubtful if the suspension of sales had stopped the sale.