SC refuses to interfere with Calcutta HC order banning crackers use, sale

The Supreme Court refused on Wednesday to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order banning the use and sale of firecrackers in West Bengal on Kali Puja to curb air pollution, saying preservation of life was more important amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A vacation bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indira Banerjee said though festivals were important, but "life itself has been in imperil" amid the pandemic. The bench said the high court knew the local condition better and it should be allowed to do the needful.

The top court was hearing an appeal filed by one Gautam Roy and the Burrabazaar Fireworks Dealers Association challenging the high court order of last Thursday banning the use and sale of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Kali Puja and Chhath Puja, to curb pollution. Kali Puja will be celebrated on Saturday.

"We are all battling for life in this situation and all of us have elderly people in our home," it observed. "We are in a situation where at this time, preservation of life is more important and the high court knows what is required at the ground level."

It said the high court had taken care of the interest of citizens, especially senior citizens who may have comorbidities.