Comply with Supreme Court norms on crackers, Punjab and Haryana High Court directs Punjab, Haryana
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the states of Haryana and Punjab, along with Chandigarh, to strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives on the use, sale and purchase of firecrackers during the festive season.
The directive follows a public interest litigation filed by advocate Sunaina. Referring to the deteriorating air quality in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh, she argued that strict compliance with court orders could significantly reduce environmental pollution and enhance quality of life.
The Supreme Court had previously issued guidelines prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals — antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead and strontium chromate — in firework manufacturing. Besides, firecracker use was restricted to specific time and locations. For Diwali, it was between 8 pm and 10 pm. The crackers could only be sold by temporary licensees authorised by the deputy commissioners in designated areas. The manufacturers were also required to comply with the Explosives Act, 1884, and ensure that safety protocols were followed.
The court also stressed the importance of community fire-cracking, allowing designated areas for fireworks, with a focus on eco-friendly alternatives, such as green crackers, to minimise environmental impact.
