Firecracker Ban Case : Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing Till 3 PM Today To Hear West Bengal Govt [LIVE UPDATES]

Hearing ends.

Order: Mr. Lakhmani submits that the HC did mention during the course of hearing that there is no assured arrangement in place which can ensure illegal import of the firecrackers which are not permitted in the State of WB or the use thereof The petition is disposed of.

Order: Mr Grover has requested us to record that no argument was advanced about practical realities to verify the crackers imported within the State. That argument was never advanced before the HC which has not been countered by the counsel for the petitioner before this Court.

Order: For the time being we only reiterate the position of the Supreme Court on 29th October, 2021.

Additionally, the State of WB will explore the possibility of ensuring that no banned materials are imported. The mechanism may be strengthened.

Order: We set aside the impugned order and allow any person to approach the High Court on the basis of material on record.

Order: The Pollution Control Board submits that authorities are taking action. If there is any inaction on part of the officials concerned, appropriate action will be taken.

We accept this assurance given.

Order: This Court has in fact reiterated the regime delineated by the NGT in respect of manufacture and sale of firecrackers. To depart from the regime, some extreme position has to be pointed out including the inaction or collision approach of the Executive.

Order: We are convinced that if the HC wanted to impose complete ban, the HC would have called upon parties.

Order: This aspect was never debated.

Order: The HC proceeded to pass blanket order by being influenced by practical realities and lack of mechanism placed by the State before the Court as to how sale of only green crackers duly certified can be allowed.