SDMs to keep an eye on violators

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 18

The UT Administration has formed teams under three SDMs to ensure the compliance of three-hour period set by the Punjab and Haryana High Court for bursting crackers in the city on Diwali.

Officials said the violators would be booked under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the IPC. Prohibitory orders are already in force in the tricity under Section 144 of the CrPC.

“Our teams will be keeping a check to implement the guidelines of the court. Teams have been formed under the supervision of three SDMs. Anyone found bursting crackers in violation of the HC order will be booked under Section 188 of the IPC,” Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rajiv Gupta told Chandigarh Tribune.

Gupta said: “We also held a meeting with the local police and they too have chalked out a plan to keep an eye on violators. However, we appeal to the residents to obey the directions of the court.”

The court, in its October 13 order, has stated that crackers can be exploded only on Diwali and that too from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 

“No violation of the court order has come so far. We are hopeful that even on Diwali, the timings set by the court will be abide by the residents,” said the ADC.