Delhi cracker ban: The Supreme Court has refused urgent hearing of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari’s plea challenging the Delhi government’s order banning the sale, purchase and use of firecrackers during the festive season. Refusing to hear the request, the SC said, “Let people breathe clean air”.
The Delhi government has banned the bursting of crackers on Diwali. Environment Minister Gopal Rai told a press conference that bursting of crackers can be punished with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200.
The government also said that production, storage and sale of firecrackers in Delhi would attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and a jail term of three years under Section 9B of the Explosives Act.
In September, the city government imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers, including Diwali, till January 1, which it has been following for the past two years.
Rai said a public awareness campaign, “Diya Jalao crackers nahi”, would be launched on October 21. The Delhi government will light 51,000 diyas in the Central Park of Connaught Place on Friday.
“Purchase and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi will attract a fine of Rs 200 and imprisonment for six months under the Indian Penal Code,” the minister said. Rai said 408 teams have been formed to enforce the ban. Delhi Police has constituted 210 teams under Assistant Commissioners of Police, while Revenue Department has constituted 165 teams and Delhi Pollution Control Committee has constituted 33 teams.
Read also: Air pollution: Delhi High Court dismisses plea against complete ‘cracker ban’ on Diwali