Photo for representation
Pune: The association of fireworks traders has approached Bombay High Court for clarity on its Sept 23 order imposing a complete ban on the use of firecrackers during festivities, fearing it could be misinterpreted by authorities and lead to action against traders. Besides, they fear that legally authorised sales would also be affected as residents would not come to purchase them.
The application is likely to be heard on Oct 15, Thursday, when the matter is next listed before the court. “Across Maharashtra , the organised fireworks trade is worth at least Rs500–600 crore, and more than 5,000 registered vendors could be affected. If each employs 10–15 people, the impact could extend to around two to three lakh families,” he said, adding that the number of unregistered vendors is much higher. He said this is a 365-day business and the traders buy material for 360 days of the year and sell it in the last 10 days during Diwali.
Afzal Reshamwala, a member of the state and national management committees of the fireworks traders’ association, said most of the issues concerning the use and sale of fireworks have been already covered by Supreme Court in its earlier orders. Reshamwala said the traders fear that the order could be misinterpreted by the concerned officers as there is a perception that the sale of firecrackers is also banned by this order. “If it is interpreted as a restriction on the sale, storage or transportation of legal fireworks during Diwali , traders may not have enough time to seek clarification,” he said. “If a decision has to be taken, it should be taken well before Diwali, not when the material has already arrived and GST and other taxes have been paid, as such a decision will push us all into heavy losses,” he said.
The intervention was filed on behalf of Mumbai and Thane District Fireworks’ Dealers’ Welfare Association, through their representative Minesh Mehta, who the association claim represents all traders from the state. These SC guidelines cover the type of firecrackers allowed for sale, their maximum decibel limits, timings and other aspects; hence, a complete ban is unjust.
Members of the association have filed an intervention application before the high court in the ongoing case, following restrictions imposed last month, seeking clarification on the order. Lawyer Krishna Ratnaparkhi, who is appearing for the association, said, “We have filed an intervention on the matter, and it is likely to be taken up for hearing on Thursday.