SC slams firecracker manufacturers for using banned chemicals

Despite the Supreme Court banning the use of barium salts in firecrackers, the practice continues. The court was informed that the manufacturers did not have Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation certification also.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday observed that even though it has banned the use of certain chemicals in firecrackers, such chemicals are still being used.

"Where do these firecrackers come from?" wondered the top court as it had passed an order in 2018 banning barium salts used in crackers.

The bench comprising Justice MR Shah and Justice AS Bopanna was hearing a batch of pleas pertaining to use of banned chemicals in firecrackers. In the last hearing, the court had taken note of the CBI report that said that court's orders banning such chemicals were violated and huge quantities of barium was purchased in one year.

"The CBI report has shown that the manufacturers have used banned barium salts. When caught, the manufacturers have said that they have just kept these in the godown. Why have they kept them in the godown?" asked Justice MR Shah.

The court was informed that the manufacturers did not have Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) certification also.

"We are not averse to celebrations. Even we want to celebrate. But we cannot celebrate at the cost of lives of others," the court said.

The court asked the parties to serve each other their affidavits and posted the matter for hearing October 26.