The Calcutta High Court has issued an order to regulate the bursting of firecrackers during the night of Shab-e-Barat. The order, issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, prohibits the setting off of firecrackers from 10 pm on Shab-e-Barat night until 6 am the next day. It mandates adherence to the rules of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, with the police authorized to take action against violators.
Shab-e-Barat falls on February 4 as per the calendar, with reports of uncontrolled use of loud firecrackers in Kolkata on this occasion and the days preceding and following it. Concerns have been raised about the lack of regulation, with firecrackers being set off indiscriminately, even throughout the night. The petitioner highlighted that the Holy Quran does not endorse the celebration of Shab-e-Barat through firecrackers, citing previous instances where police restrictions were imposed during other religious festivals.
In response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by petitioner Shagufta Suleman, the High Court intervened by ordering a ban on firecrackers post 10 pm. The petitioner referenced a previous court order that was flouted last year, leading to disturbances caused by firecrackers in specific areas despite the directive. The court’s decision aims to prevent such disruptions, particularly for vulnerable groups like the sick, elderly, children, and pets.
