High Court Partially Relaxes Ban on Untimely Fire Starters in Places of Worship
Kochi, [Newspaper Name]
In a recent development, the division bench of the High Court has partially relaxed the order of a single bench, which had imposed a ban on untimely fire starters in places of worship. According to the revised ruling, the ban on untimed fireworks will remain in effect from 10pm to 6am. However, the division bench, led by the Chief Justice, has also allowed important temples to seek exemption from this ban through a special application submitted to the government.
This clarification follows a petition filed by the government, urging the court to reconsider its previous ruling. As a result, the single bench order, which mandated inspections in places of worship, has been completely overturned. The division bench also emphasized that an earlier Supreme Court order already prohibited bonfires between 10pm and 6am.
Earlier, the High Court’s single bench had banned untimely fire starters in places of worship, citing the absence of any religious texts advocating the use of crackers to please God. Furthermore, considering the noise and environmental pollution caused by firecrackers, the court had also ordered the seizure of illegally stored fireworks in these religious establishments.
Expressing their discontent, the Devaswom Board and the minister of the department, among others, criticized the ban for not clearly defining the term “Asama.” They also pointed out that this ban would impact significant festivals in the state, including Thrissur Pooram. Consequently, the government appealed against the ban.
However, with the division bench’s recent relaxation of the ban, festivities, such as Thrissur Pooram, will proceed as planned. Additionally, the government has granted special permission for firecrackers to be used during important temple festivals, without any time restrictions, but with prior approval from the authorities.
Kochi: The division bench partially relaxed the order of a single bench of the High Court banning untimely fire starters in places of worship. The ban on untimed fireworks will continue between 10pm and 6am. But the division bench headed by the Chief Justice also explained that important temples can approach the government for an exemption through a special application.
The division bench clarified the issue following a petition filed by the government. The single bench order to conduct inspections in places of worship was completely scrapped. The division bench also drew attention to the fact that an earlier Supreme Court order prohibited bonfires between 10 pm and 6 am.
Earlier, a single bench order of the High Court banned untimely fire starters in places of worship. The court observed that there is no holy book that says crackers should be burst to please God. Noting that firecrackers cause noise and environmental pollution, the court had also ordered the seizure of illegally stored firecrackers in places of worship.
The Devaswom Board and the minister of the department, among others, have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the ban, which did not specify exactly what Asama was. It was also pointed out that important festivals in the state, including Thrissur Pooram, would be dimmed. The government then appealed.
However, with the relaxation of the division bench order, festivals including Thrissur Pooram will be held as usual. Moreover, the government has also given permission to extinguish firecrackers with the permission of the government without any time limit for festivals in important temples.
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