Staff Reporter
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by a Sivakasi-based fireworks manufacturer, seeking permission to store explosives in a building adjacent to another fireworks godown in Thanjavur, without complying with the minimum distance of 15 metres.
Holding that the Commissioner of Revenue Administration was right in refusing permission, Justice K. Chandru recalled that a Division Bench had dealt with the issue extensively and issued directions in a public interest litigation petition filed before the principal seat of the court in Chennai. The Judge said the manufacturer had sought licence under the Indian Explosive Rules to possess 50 kg fireworks and 400 kg crackers on the Thanjavur premises.
The Revenue Divisional Officer recommended grant of licence, the Divisional Fire Officer issued a fire certificate and the Superintendent of Police granted no-objection certificate.
The District Revenue Officer refused to sign.
Aggrieved at the refusal, the manufacturer filed an appeal before the Commissioner of Revenue Administration under Section 6(f) of the Explosives Act.
