Supreme Court seeks traders’ explanation over use of barium in crackers

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 29

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday asked six firecracker manufacturers to explain why they shouldn’t be charged with contempt of court for violating its orders banning the use of barium salt in fireworks.

Terming the CBI’s report on the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing of firecrackers as “very serious”, a Bench led by Justice MR Shah said prima facie, there has been violation of the court’s orders on use of barium and labelling of fireworks.

The CBI has found harmful chemicals in the seized items, it said, noting that manufacturers such as Hindustan Fireworks and Standard Fireworks purchased barium in huge quantities and used these chemicals in the fireworks.

The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on October 6. It ordered that a copy of the preliminary inquiry report of the CBI be served to all the advocates concerned by Thursday. The court had earlier refused to impose complete ban on the sale of firecrackers and said sale could happen only through licensed traders and that only green crackers could be sold. Online sale of firecrackers has been banned.

Maintaining that it needed to strike a proper balance between right to life and right to livelihood, the Supreme Court had on Tuesday said it couldn’t infringe the right to life of other citizens “under the guise of employment of a few”.

Violation of orders

Six firecracker manufacturers have been accused of using barium salt in violation of apex court orders.