Kerala High Court orders raid of all religious places to seize illegal firecrackers

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the State authorities to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession firecrackers illegally stored in such places [Binoj KB & Ors. v State of Kerala & Ors.]..Justice Amit Rawal also said no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd times there is no commandment in any of the holy books to burst crackers to please God.“I thus direct the Deputy Collector with the assistance of the Commissioner of Police, Cochin, and other districts, to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession of the crackers illegally stored in all religious places and issue instructions that henceforth onwards no crackers shall be burst in religious places at odd time as prima facie there is no commandment in any of the holy books to burst crackers for pleasing the God,” the Court said. .The Court was considering a petition seeking intervention to prevent the bursting of the crackers in all the religious places situated in Kerala.The plea contended that explosive licences were being issued by the District Collector under Explosive Rules and not all temples have licences to burst crackers.The plea added that even if the licenses are issued, they should not be issued for bursting as it causes noise and air pollution also.It further contended that crackers are burst at odd hours disturbing the peace..The High Court noted that the state and religious authorities as well has not objected to the petitioner’s stand.The single-judge agreed with the contention and said that even he had heard crackers after midnight..Therefore, the High Court directed the Deputy Collector with the aid of the Commissioner of Police to conduct raids in all religious places and take into possession crackers illegally stored in all religious places.It further directed that the order copy be circulated to all the District Collectors in Kerala for compliance.The order clarified that in case it is found that crackers are burst after today's order, the court may be compelled to initiate contempt proceedings..It further directed the State Counsel to submit a report on this before the next hearing, i.e., November 24..The petitioner was represented by advocates R Suraj Kumar, V Beena, V Deepa and Sunil J Chakkalackal.The respondents were represented by advocates Asha Babu, EU Dhanya, MP Priyanka, Rilgin V George, KP Santhi, MS Unnikrishnan, T Naveen (standing counsel of Kerala State Pollution Board), TR Rajan (standing counsel of Maradu Municipality), Asha Babu, SM Prasanth, Dinesh C, Asha Babu, Renjith G, Ammu Charles, Jinnu Sara George and EU Dhanya..[Read Order]