The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a plea against a Calcutta High Court ban on the sale and use of firecrackers during Kali puja, saying “preservation of life is more important” than festivals amid the pandemic.
“We are all battling for life in this situation and all of us have elderly people in our home,” a Vacation Bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Indira Banerjee observed.
The court said the pandemic had put life in peril, especially for those with co-morbidities. It said the High Court order was based on its knowledge of the ground situation there.
The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by one Gautam Roy and the Burrabazaar Fireworks Dealers Association, challenging the High Court order last week banning the use and sale of firecrackers during upcoming festivals, including Kali puja and Chhath puja, to curb pollution. Kali puja will be celebrated on Saturday.
The High Court had directed that the ban would also be in force during the Jagaddhatri puja, Chhath and Kartik puja, adding that the guidelines, which were in place during Durga Puja, such as no entry to pandals, would also be in effect.
