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This is an archive article published on April 12, 2016

Ban fireworks at religious festivals, says Kerala HC judge

The 'Devaswom Bench' comprising Justices Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Anu Sivaraman will consider the petition Tuesday afternoon.

Kollam, Kollam fire, Kollam Temple Fire, Kerala fire, Kerala temple fireworks, temple fireworks ban, kerala fireworks ban, kerala news A man walks past damaged structures at the spot where a massive fire broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple complex in Kollam district, southern Kerala, Monday, April 11, 2016. (AP Photo)

A division bench of Kerala High Court will consider on Tuesday a letter from a judge of the same court seeking a ban on fireworks in festivals.

Following Sunday’s tragedy, Justice V Chidambaresh wrote to the HC registrar, seeking a ban on fireworks which use deadly explosives and ear-shattering items such as amittu and kathina. Instead, he contended, low-decibel Chinese-type crackers can be used in such festivities.

The registrar converted the letter into a PIL, which will be taken up by the division bench of Justices Thottathil Radhakrishnan and Anu Sivaraman. The court will appoint an amicus curiae to hear the side of the litigant, Justice Chidambaresh.

WATCH| Video Of Temple Fire In Kollam, Kerala

In his letter, the judge pointed out that 500 people died in Kerala as a result of fireworks accidents in recent years, with Palakkad district topping the list for such “man-made tragedies”. He said the right to profess any religion should not be taken as freedom to celebrate a festival in any manner. Pointing out that the SC had banned Jallikattu, which was also part of religious rituals, he said fireworks display can also be banned.

 

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

 

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