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Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the TAMILNADU FIREWORKS AND AMORCES MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (TANFAMA) in the cracker pollution case, informed the court that over 5 lakh families in Sivakasi are involved in the cracker industry. He further urged the court to strike a balance and provide safe guards for the industry.

A supreme court bench consisting of Justices MR Shah and A.S.Bopanna remarked that irrespective of the use of barium there is a specific ban on joint crackers was put in place, however the cracker industry is paying no heed to this ban. Justice Shah further noted that despite there being a ban on barium, the cracker manufacturers have kept huge quantities of the chemical in their godowns for no apparent reason, he said that the court will be constrained to order a seizure if no proper explanation is given to this.

On the last date of hearing issued notice to firecracker manufacturers to show cause as to why action should not be taken against them for using banned chemicals such as barium and barium salt.

The bench issued the notice pursuant to receipt of a preliminary report by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On perusal of the report the bench remarked that certain manufacturers have not only used barium but also have procured huge quantities of it. Court further remarked that the manufacturers were in violation of Explosive Substance Act,1884 and of the previous orders of the Supreme Court banning the use of barium.

The matter has now been adjourned to 26.10.2021 to ensure that pleadings have been exchanged between the parties.

(Picture credits: DNA India)