Uttarakhand HC bans storage, sale of firecrackers at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani
The PIL alleged that since the Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani is a highly congested area, grant of licenses for setting up firecrackers shop and go-downs there is a threat to the life and property of the residents of the area.
The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the state authorities to stop the storage or retail sale of firecrackers in the Ramlila maidan area in Haldwani, Nainital.
The bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice RC Khulbe passed the order in view of the grave danger posed to the life and property of the residents of the area, which is a highly congested area.
Court ordered the District Magistrate, Nainital to immediately locate an appropriate place where the storing and retail sale of firecrackers can be shifted in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer.
The court was dealing with a Public Interest Litigation plea that alleged that several persons have set up their go-downs and retail shops in the Ramlila ground in Haldwani, which is a jam-packed area.
Moreover, the petitioner placed on record the communication issued by the Chief Fire Officer to the District Magistrate highlighting that the grant of licenses for setting up of firecrackers shop and go-downs in the said area is not proper and not in accordance with the rules.
The petitioner alleged that despite such communication being in place, no action had been taken by the District Magistrate to cancel the licenses and grant licenses at an appropriate place that complies with the fire safety rules.
Taking note of the objections raised into account, the court issued the directions to the respondent-authorities to forthwith stop the storage or retail sale of firecrackers in the area.
Case Title: Lalit Mohan Singh Negi v. State of Uttarakhand and Ors.