The High Court of Kerala, in a recent development, has imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers at places of worship during odd hours. This judicial directive, delivered by Justice Amit Rawal in a single bench, comes with significant implications. According to Live Law, Justice Rawal has not only initiated this ban but has also instructed district collectors to conduct raids and confiscate illegally stored crackers within religious premises.
The court’s decision is a response to a petition seeking intervention in the practice of bursting firecrackers at places of worship, which often occurs during festivals at temples and churches across the state. One such prominent event is the Thrissur Pooram, known for its grand display of pyrotechnics. Justice Rawal’s statement emphasizes the absence of any religious commandment that endorses the use of firecrackers to appease the deities.
Moreover, it is widely recognized that the use of firecrackers contributes to both noise and air pollution, making the court’s intervention a step towards addressing these environmental concerns.
The petition leading to this court order was filed back in 2014 by six individuals hailing from Maradu in Ernakulam district. Their plea specifically aimed to prohibit the fireworks traditionally conducted at the Marattil Kottaram Bhagavathy Temple as part of the Thalappoli festival. The petitioners, who are residents near the temple, cited detrimental effects on their families, including children, due to the fireworks. The fireworks were executed in a manner that caused significant disruptions, resulting in accidents and injuries.
Notably, the petitioners stressed that these fireworks were not rooted in religious or customary practices of the temple, and they were carried out without the necessary permissions from statutory authorities. The accidents during these displays were a recurring issue, with casualties and damages, such as the loss of lives and property. The petition further highlighted an incident in which explosives were planted near a petitioner’s house, causing severe damage.
The petitioners made a distinction between the Maradu temple’s fireworks and those in other parts of the state, like the renowned Thrissur Pooram, where fireworks are conducted in spacious areas without posing risks to residents. They also raised concerns about the influential position of the organizers, who could obstruct executive actions against these unlawful activities. The petition emphasized the need for this ban, considering the previous investigations’ outcomes.
Additionally, some of the petitioners mentioned their devotion to the temple’s deity, while others, from different religious backgrounds, expressed their goodwill towards the temple’s well-being. This ban represents a significant step in addressing the safety and environmental concerns associated with the use of firecrackers at places of worship in Kerala.
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