Kali Puja 2021: Supreme Court overturns total ban on firecrackers in West Bengal

The Supreme Court on Monday overturned the Calcutta High Court's sweeping ban on firecrackers. West Bengal had earlier banned the sale, purchase, and usage of all firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali, and other holidays this year to combat air pollution. The bench found that certified green crackers can be marketed and burst in locations with "good" or "moderate" air quality.

A vacation bench of the Supreme Court comprised of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi issued an order in this respect. The panel considered several petitions that challenged the Calcutta High Court's blanket prohibition on firecrackers, including green crackers. Firecracker sellers had filed the applications. The apex court stated in the ruling that the High Court proceeded to impose a blanket ban on being influenced by the lack of a system to ensure that only green crackers are used. The West Bengal administration has also been directed to ensure that no banned firecrackers or similar materials are imported into the state.

Also Read | Diwali 2021: Here are state-wise guidelines on buying, selling or bursting crackers

Earlier on October 29, the Calcutta High Court outlawed the use of firecrackers during Kali Puja, Diwali, Chhat Puja, and New Year's celebrations. A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, comprised of Justices Sabyasachi Bhattacharya and Aniruddha Roy, has imposed a blanket ban on the use and sale of all types of firecrackers, including green crackers, throughout the state of West Bengal during the approaching festivities. The order came in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by environmental activist Roshni Ali, who sought a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers during the upcoming festivities in order to protect people's right to clean, healthy, and breathable air, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bench added that only wax or oil-based diyas may be used for the occasions.

Also Read | Ahead of Diwali, Haryana govt bans crackers in 14 districts near Delhi

• Supreme Court
• firecrackers ban
• cracker ban
• green crackers
• air quality