Supreme Court bench of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Indira Banerjeewhile hearing today observed that- “festivals are important, but in this time of Covid-19 pandemic preservation of life is more important.” The apex court rejected the plea which was challenging Calcutta HC order on banning use of firecrackers in West Bengal during this festivals season.
The plea was filed by the Burrabazar Fireworks Dealers Association and its representative Gautam Roy, challenging the order HC. The challenges order stated that “For the greater good, a small number of persons involved in the firecracker business may have to suffer losses. The overwhelming public interest cannot be compromised.”
Justice Chandrachud specifically stated that “the HC knows the local conditions better. Life itself has been imperiled now.”
After the ban by Calcutta HC, NGT imposed a total ban on sale of all kinds of firecrackers in NCR from the midnight of November 9th-10th till midnight of November 30th – December 1st,2020.
