New Delhi: The Supreme Court has quashed a Kolkata High Court order banning the purchase, sale, and use of firecrackers during Diwali, Kali Puja, Christmas, and New Year celebrations in West Bengal. The court asked the government to ensure that the state does not import banned fireworks and related items.
The Kolkata High Court has banned firefighting to prevent air pollution during the covid epidemic. A special bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilker and Ajay Rastogi heard the petitions filed against the High Court order. The bench asked the West Bengal government to ensure that it does not import banned firecrackers and related items. However, the West Bengal government had allowed only eco-friendly fireworks to be fired from 8 to 10 at night. Following this, the Kolkata High Court ordered a ban on fireworks, including eco-friendly firecrackers, till December 31. The High Court said it was very difficult to separate eco-friendly fireworks from those that cause air pollution.
