New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday has ordered a CBI probe seeking usage of Barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2) in the manufacturing of firecrackers by the firework companies in Tamil Nadu.
The court has sought a report on the issue by the probe agency within six weeks.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde asked the CBI to conduct the probe after a petition filed in the matter alleged that six firecracker companies in Tamil Nadu companies were using chemicals, which were banned by the court, in producing firecrackers.
On the other hand, the six companies vehemently denied the allegations that they were using the banned chemical substance in their firecrackers.
The apex court had earlier imposed a ban on the toxic chemical compound and declared the substance illegal after its usage was linked with the rise in the cases of respiratory diseases and cancer over the years.
Barium nitrate is an inorganic compound which works as an oxidiser and is colorless and water-soluble.
Following its harmful effects on the environment, the top court had banned the component and asked the firecracker companies to manufacture 'green crackers' which are less harmful.
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