SC modifies Telangana HC order banning crackers, asks it to comply with NGT order

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 13

The Supreme Court on Friday modified a Telangana High Court order imposing complete and immediate ban on sale of firecrackers in the state during Diwali and ordered it to follow the National Green Tribunal’s directives on bursting of firecrackers.

While imposing a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) till November 30 midnight, the NGT had on November 9 said the complete ban will apply to all cities and towns where the average of ambient air quality during November 2019 was in 'poor' and above categories.

However, the NGT had permitted sale of green crackers in cities or towns where air quality is 'moderate' or below and clarified that the timings for use and bursting of crackers be restricted to two hours during festivals like Diwali, Chhath, New Year/Christmas Eve, as may be specified by the state concerned."

The top court’s order came on a petition filed by Telangana Fire Workers Dealers Association (TFWDA) challenging the Telangana High Court’s November 12 order banning sale and bursting of firecrackers in the state. The petitioner contended that the high court’s order violated the right to livelihood of those involved in sale and manufacturing of firecrackers.

While modifying the high court’s order, a Bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar also issued notice to the government of Telangana, saying it can’t stay the HC order without hearing the state. It posted the matter for further hearing on Monday.