Hindu bodies, cracker manufacturers move Supreme Court opposing ban on fire crackers

New Delhi: Several Hindu outfits and cracker manufacturers strongly opposed in the Supreme Court a plea to ban crackers during Diwali, saying this was a Hindu tradition for centuries and that a complete ban would hurt religious sentiments.

Responding to a petition by three toddlers seeking a ban as crackers cause air pollution, the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association, Sivakasi, and Hindu outfits said, “Fireworks have been an inherent part of Diwali celebrations... The light and noise of crackers (symbolise) Diwali, whereas darkness and silence denote sorrow and grief.”

The matter comes up on Wednesday. The association noted that turnover in firecrackers was over Rs 1,000 crore with 350 units in Sivakasi.

Centre ban will hit cracker firms

The firecrackers industry provides direct employment to over three lakh people and indirect employment to 10 lakh people. “Any adverse direction against use of crackers during Diwali will have a disastrous effect on the entire fireworks industry and on the livelihood of lakhs of people dependent solely on this industry,” it said.

The Hindu outfits, led by Arulmigu Sri Ayyappa Sangam, Sivakasi, said: “Fireworks is a means of celebrations all over the world. Banning or restricting use of crackers will affect the traditional and customary rights of Hindus. Crackers are burnt during  Diwali, Independence Day, New year, Christmas, victories in games and elections, marriages etc. These celebrations cannot be thwarted by unfair restrictions.

According to Hindu belief, the sound of crackers are an indication of the joy of people living on Earth, making gods aware of their plentiful state. A ban on crackers will be against Hindu belief and mythology.”

In its response, the Centre has indirectly supported these Hindu outfits opposing ban, saying that bursting of firecrackers during Diwali was not the only cause of air pollution. Air pollution was dependent on several factors like industries, aviation, railways, shipping, construction activities, geo-climatic conditions, burning of crop remnants, emission from vehicles, increasing number of vehicles and other like factors, it said.

The causes and mitigation of air pollution was multi-sectoral in nature and air pollution may be prevented, abated and controlled by a multi-disciplinary approach through joint efforts of various ministries/departments.” The Centre explained the steps it had taken along with states to control air pollution and to keep it under manageable limits during Diwali.

Claiming that right to clean air was a fundamental right, the three infants — Arjun Gopal, Aaray Bhandari and Zoya Rao Bhasin — sought the Supreme Court’s intervention for a direction to the Centre and the Delhi government to take effective steps to curb air pollution, and as an immediate measure ban or restrict the use of crackers during Diwali this year. The three toddlers asked for a clean and healthy environment, saying the right to clean air was essential for a conducive environment for their growth and development.

They said: “Delhi has been the most polluted city in the world for over 18 months, and health-related illnesses primarily target the youngest of its citizens.”