Ban On Firecracker Not Against Any Community, But To Protect People's Rights: SC

The top court said it cannot infringe the right to life of other citizens under the guise of employment while considering a ban on firecrackers and its focus is the right to life of innocent citizens

(File Photo)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified its view on the issue of firecrackers ban saying the move doesn’t mean it was against particular group or community, but mentioned the cannot allow violation of rights of citizens under the guise of enjoyment.

A bench comprising Justices M R Shah and A S Bopanna wants full implementation of its orders. “Under the guise of enjoyment you (manufacturers) cannot play with lives of citizens. We are not against particular community. We want to send strong message that we are here for the protection of fundamental rights of citizens,” the bench said.

The order regarding ban on firecrackers was passed after giving elaborate reasons. “All firecrackers were not banned. It was in larger public interest. There is a particular impression being created. It should not be projected that it was banned for particular purpose. Last time we said that we weren't coming in way of enjoyment but we cannot come in way of fundamental rights of people,” the bench said.

The top court said there must be some responsibility entrusted to authorities who have been given the right to implement the order on the ground.

The court also said it can even pass an order for CBI investigation concerning those manufacturers who are selling fake green crackers, according to publication Mint. "Nobody can be allowed to use fake green crackers and show us that they are complying with our orders," the bench observed.

The bench also observed that fire crackers are still openly available in market. The apex court bench had said it is not opposed to the celebration but not at the cost of the life of other citizens. “We want to send a message that we are here to protect the rights of people. We have not put 100 per cent ban on firecrackers. Everybody knows what the people of Delhi are suffering (due to the pollution caused by firecrackers,” the bench noted.

The matter will be heard now at 2 pm. The apex court had ordered six manufacturers to show cause why they should not be punished for contempt of its orders.

The SC also said it cannot infringe the right to life of other citizens under the guise of employment while considering a ban on firecrackers and its main focus is the right to life of innocent citizens.

(With inputs from PTI)