SC Firecracker Ban: Traders Ask Government To File Review Petition

New Delhi: Traders' body CAIT on Monday urged the government to file a review petition before the Supreme Court on its order banning sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1.

In a statement, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said conducting business of firecrackers is a legitimate activity protected under the Constitution of India giving 'Right to Work'. "The Supreme Court has imposed ban on sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR but there is no ban on bursting of crackers. Possibility of people buying crackers from other states and bursting them in Delhi-NCR cannot be ruled out. The distinction between Delhi traders and traders from the rest of India seems to be unjustified," CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said.

"Many traders dealing in crackers must have purchased their stocks for this Diwali by now and the ban will put them in huge losses," he added. The Supreme Court said its order of last November banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) would continue till October 31 - Diwali falls on October 19 - in an effort to check pollution this festival of lights.

The traders' body asserted that bursting of crackers on Diwali symbolises happiness of people on the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi since centuries, and is an integral part of Indian culture. "Even today crackers are burst on any grand event like Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or any event to demonstrate happiness. It is noteworthy to mention that environment danger is not caused only by crackers but several other factors also contribute much and as such a thorough study is required and demand suitable steps," CAIT said.