The Karnataka High Court has raised concern over firecrackers being burst beyond the permitted hours during festivals and issued notices to the state government and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), seeking responses on enforcement. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Bengaluru resident Vinod Jacob, 56, who alleged that Supreme Court guidelines were being violated across the state.
A division bench headed by Justice Anu Sivaraman heard the petition on Friday. The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the Supreme Court permits the use of green crackers during a specified two-hour window on Deepavali and has issued broader directions regulating firecracker use during other festivals. The petition alleges that these directions are not being enforced during Deepavali, Ganeshotsav, Dasara and celebrations linked to Indian Premier League matches.
The court observed that the prescribed 8 pm to 10 pm window for bursting firecrackers during festivals was not being followed strictly. The bench also noted that some people begin bursting crackers after 9.30 pm and continue until the early hours of the morning. The court said the time limit must be followed.
The bench directed notices to the state government and the KSPCB and adjourned the hearing to December 9. The notices seek responses from the authorities; the court’s observations during the hearing were made in the context of the petition and do not amount to a final ruling on the allegations.
According to the petition, the KSPCB has issued circulars for strict implementation of directions passed by the Supreme Court in the Arjun Gopal versus Union of India case. Despite this, the petitioner alleged that firecrackers continue to be burst on public roads, near hospitals and in silence zones.
The petition also claims that non-green crackers are easily available in local markets because they cost less than approved green crackers. It seeks directions to prevent firecracker use on public roads, footpaths, traffic junctions and in silence zones. These locations are also important public-use spaces where late-night noise and obstruction can affect residents, pedestrians, emergency access and traffic movement.
Among the measures requested in the petition are the identification and notification of community grounds where permitted crackers can be used, supervision at those locations, steps to ensure that only green crackers are sold, and the creation of inspection teams in every ward during festivals. The petitioner has also sought deployment of enforcement personnel to prevent violations.
The state government and the pollution control board are expected to respond before the next hearing on December 9. The court’s further consideration will determine what directions, if any, are issued on enforcement, designated spaces and the sale and use of firecrackers.
