SC Allows ‘Moderate’ Fireworks In Ujjain On The Occasion Of Vaikunth Chaturdashi, But With Time Restrictions [Read Order]

“We expect that the fireworks would be moderate in nature so that it does not cause undue air pollution.”

The Supreme Court has permitted the fireworks on the occasion of Vaikunth Chaturdashi on in Ujjain City on 21.11.2018 between 11:00 p.m. on November 21 and 1:00 a.m. on November 22.

The bench comprising Justice AK Sikri and Justice Abdul Nazeer disposed an application filed seeking such permission from the court.

In its October 23 order, the Supreme Court had fixed the duration for bursting of crackers.  On the day of Diwali and other religious festivals, between 8 PM and 10 PM and on Christmas Eve and New Year, between 11.45 PM and 12.45 AM.

While disposing of the present application, the court clarified that the total period of fireworks shall not exceed two hours. “We expect that the fireworks would be moderate in nature so that it does not cause undue air pollution.”

“We also permit the burning of Phooljharis/sparklers on Roop Choudas, and Dev Uthani Gyaras inside the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain at Garbh Grih, during the aforesaid timings,” the bench said.

During Diwali also, the court had agreed to modify its earlier order on an applications seeking permission to burst crackers between 4.30 AM and 6.30 AM on Diwali as per local traditions. It had then clarified that respective state governments will be at liberty to fix the time slots for bursting crackers, subject to the condition that timings should not exceed two hours a day.