CAIT demanded to review the order at least for this Diwali
While appreciating the concern of Supreme Court for environment protection, the Confederation of All India Traders said that conducting the business of firecrackers is a centuries-old legitimate activity protected under Constitution of India giving Right to Work and as such the Union Government should file a review petition before Supreme Court.
CAIT National President B C Bhartia & Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that Supreme Court has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi NCR but there is no ban on the bursting of crackers. The possibility of people buying crackers from other States & bursting in Delhi NCR cannot be ruled out and in such case, Delhi traders will be in disadvantageous position and will loose business to their counterparts in other States. This distinction of Delhi Traders and rest of India Traders seems to be unjustified. Moreover, there are a variety of environment-friendly crackers and with a ban of Supreme Court, such crackers will also have its impact. Many traders those dealing in crackers must have purchased their stocks for this Diwali by now and the ban will put them in huge losses.
Bursting of crackers at Diwali symbolises happiness of people on the return of Lord Rama at Ayodhya and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi at Diwali since centuries and is an integral part of Indian culture. Even today crackers are bursted on any grand event like Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or any such alike event to demonstrate happiness. It is noteworthy to mention that environment danger is not caused only by crackers but several other factors also contribute much and as such a thorough study is required and demand suitable steps.
The Govt must rise to the occasion and file a review in Supreme Court. The traders have due respect for the Apex Court and are duty bound to obey the orders but it will be in the fitness of things if the order is reviewed at least for this Diwali and subsequently a policy can be made.
