The Kerala High Court has taken a decisive stance against the bursting of firecrackers at odd hours in religious places, with Justice Amit Rawal calling for immediate action. The court has directed all District Collectors in the state to conduct raids with the help of Police Commissioners to seize illegally stored firecrackers at religious sites.
The interim order was issued in response to a plea that sought the court’s intervention to prevent the bursting of crackers in all religious places across Kerala. The petitioners pointed out that explosive licenses issued by the District Collector under Explosive Rules were not held by all temple authorities. They argued that such licenses should not be granted as the practice contributes to noise and air pollution and disturbs the peace.
Justice Rawal, in his observation, stated,
“I…direct the Deputy Collector with the Assistance of the Commissioner of Police, Cochin and other districts, to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession of the crackers illegally stored in all religious places and issue instructions that henceforth onwards no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy books to burst crackers for pleasing the God.”
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The plea also highlighted that crackers are often burst at odd hours, disturbing the peace of the locality. The judges themselves revealed that they had heard the noise of firecrackers past midnight, underscoring the disruption caused by such activities.
The High Court’s order was clear and firm:
“I thus direct the Deputy Collector with the assistance of the Commissioner of Police, Cochin, and other districts, to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession of the crackers illegally stored in all religious places and issue instructions that henceforth onwards no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy books to burst crackers for pleasing the God.”
The court further warned that any reported instance of bursting crackers despite the order would compel the court to initiate contempt proceedings. The order also mandated that a copy of the order be circulated to all District Collectors in Kerala for strict compliance.
The matter has been posted for further consideration on November 24, as the court continues to address the environmental and public disturbance concerns associated with the use of firecrackers in religious celebrations.