Chandigarh, Dec 7 (PTI) The Punjab and Haryana High Courttoday banned the bursting of crackers on New Year's eve and onJanuary 1, as well as during weddings or other celebratoryfunctions in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
However, the areas of Haryana falling in the NationalCapital Region (NCR) have been kept out of purview of theorder.
The order will remain in force at least till January 11,2018, which is the next date of hearing in the case, a seniorlawyer said.
Earlier on October 13, the high court had allowedresidents of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to burst crackersonly for three hours -- from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm -- on Diwali.
A three hour relaxation to burst crackers was also givenfor Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary celebrations lastmonth.
Concerned over the pollution, the High Court had in itsearlier order in October also issued a number of instructionsto authorities.
The order of division bench of justices A K Mittal andAmit Rawal today came after amicus curiae or the friend of thecourt Anupam Gupta submitted that bursting of crackers duringmarriage ceremonies was still a part of the celebrations andcaused environmental pollution.
The court directed the concerned authorities in Punjab,Haryana and Chandigarh to ensure strict and meticulouscompliance (of the order), Anupam Gupta, who is a senioradvocate, said.
Earlier in October, the Supreme Court had banned the saleof firecrackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1.
Justice Rawal had earlier taken suo motu cognizance ofpollution caused by the fireworks during the Diwali season.
PTI SUNADS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.