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Chief Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice B.P. Routray of the Orissa High Court  permitted sale and use of green crackers during upcoming diwali festival. The order was in line with the directions issued by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC). 

The plea filed by All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association and Others sought the Court's leave to relax some of the restrictions imposed on the use and sale of firecrackers by the Special Relief Commissioner of the State.

The Special Relief Commissioner vide order dated October 31 had stipulated a host of directions regulating the use of firecrackers during Diwali after taking into consideration the prior orders of the Supreme Court (SC) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding this matter.

The SRC order stipulated that the use of fireworks shall be limited to 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Diwali day, i.e. November 4 only. The order provides that only those traders/dealers who produce a certificate from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) that their products conform to the definition and formulation proposed by CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and are genuine, shall be allowed to sell their products. It also said that mere labeling of fireworks boxes as “green fireworks” and providing QR codes shall not entitle any trader/dealer to sell the same. The District Administration/Police Commissionerate was directed to ensure strict compliance with the above conditions and proper verification of all documents. The local officers are also made personally liable for violations of the orders of the Apex Court, the NGT, and the High Court of Odisha.

In furtherance to the above, the Court reiterated the direction issued by the Supreme Court that all States/Union Territories are to give due publicity through electronic media/print media/local cable services “to make people aware and know directions issued by this Court with respect to manufacture, use and sale of banned firecrackers.”

Cause Title: All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association and Others v. Union of India and Others