HC bans crackers on New Year’s Eve too

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7

Revellers would not be able to usher in the New Year with a bang, literally. For, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today ordered a ban on the bursting of crackers during marriage and other celebrations. The prohibitory orders will remain in force at least till January 11, 2018 — the next date of hearing in the case.

Taking up the save environment case, a division Bench of the High Court, at the same time, excluded areas under the National Capital Region from the purview of its orders.

The order by the Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Amit Rawal came after amicus curiae or friend of the court Anupam Gupta submitted that bursting of crackers during marriage ceremonies was still a part of the celebrations.

Taking a note of the assertions, the Bench made it clear to the counsels for both the states and the UT Administration that the court wanted strict compliance of the prohibitory orders. The Bench, in fact, asked the law-enforcement agencies to ensure meticulous observance of the directions.

Referring to the wearing of pollution masks by Sri Lanka players on the pitch during the Delhi match, the Bench asserted that it could not close its eyes to the problem.

Justice Rawal had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of pollution caused by the fireworks during the Diwali season. In his five-page note, Justice Rawal had expressed serious concerns on the increasing level of pollution in the region and its effects on human life.

Restrictions at least till Jan 11 

• The prohibitory orders will remain in force in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh at least till January 11, 2018 — the next date of hearing in the case.
• The High Court, at the same time, excluded areas under the National Capital Region from the purview of its orders.