HC tells Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh to fix timing for bursting of crackers

Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 13

A few days after the Supreme Court ordered banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and NCR this Diwali, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday ordered Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to fix timing for bursting of crackers from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

The court said PCRs, NGOs and volunteers would keep an eye on people violating the order.  The court has also directed all Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to ensure the implementation of the order.

The court directed them to give 20 per cent less licences for firecrackers shops as compared to last year. 

On giving licences, the court said the permission would only be given by the DC and he would not confer his powers to other officers.

The court said the DC would designate the area for selling crackers and safeguards would be ensured by the licencee. No permanent licence would be issued, the court added.