Petition seeks ban on use of fire crackers

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday ordered notice over a petition seeking to ban the use of crackers during the festival of Diwali.The division bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Pachhapre heard a petition filed by city-based advocated and party in person B V Puttegowda. The bench has ordered notice to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department and Chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.The petitioner has cited several incidents of eye injuries due to the usage of crackers during Diwali and submitted that indiscriminate use of crackers during the festival has resulted in serious injuries and many have lost their vision.Last year alone there have been more than 100 children in Bangalore city who had eye injuries. Further Puttegowda submitted that most of the victims are children below the age of fifteen and submitted that some of the hospitals have even recommended for the ban on use of fire works.Stating that the use of crackers is also in violation of the Environment Protection Act 1986 as it leads to noise, air and water pollution. Hearing a petition the division bench ordered notice and adjourned the further hearing.