SC flags reports of unauthorised firecracker sales in Delhi a day after easing ban
Parmod Kumar
New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) A day after permitting the manufacture, sale and bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a strictly regulated period around Diwali, the Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of unauthorised crackers being openly sold in prominent Delhi markets in apparent violation of its directions.
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale drew Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati's attention to a media report claiming that licensed and unlicensed firecrackers, including products with and without prescribed QR codes, were freely available in the market. Referring to the report, Justice Sundresh asked Bhati to look into the matter, noting that it suggested virtually every variety of firecracker was available despite the restrictions imposed by the court a day earlier.
On November 2, the Supreme Court had permitted the sale of certified green firecrackers from November 4 to 6 and their bursting between 6 am and 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on November 7 and 8. It directed that the complete prohibition on firecrackers would resume from November 9. The court had made it clear that only crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI and covered by valid PESO licences could be manufactured and sold.
Each box was required to carry a product- and batch-specific QR code to enable verification of its certification. It had also prohibited firecracker strings, commonly known as ladis, crackers containing barium and products not approved by CSIR-NEERI. Sales were restricted to designated locations, with online sales barred. Police teams were directed to inspect markets, verify QR codes, seize illegal crackers, and initiate prosecution against violators. Vehicles entering Delhi-NCR were also to be checked to prevent the transportation of prohibited firecrackers.
The media report referred to by the bench claimed that different varieties of firecrackers were being openly sold in prominent markets across the national capital despite the restrictions imposed by the court. It also alleged that some products lacked QR codes, while others carried codes that did not facilitate verification of certification, and that conventional firecrackers were available on request despite being kept out of public display.
UNI XC RSA
