Calcutta High Court on November 5 imposed a ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali from November 15 to 30 to prevent the resurgence of coronavirus infections across the state of West Bengal.
In a crowded courtroom, the two-judge bench, headed by Justice Sanjib Banerjee issued the ruling on a string of petitions filed before the court seeking a ban on bursting of firecrackers during Diwali.
The court directed that the ban would also be in force during Jagaddhatri Puja, Chhath and Kartik Puja.
The bench said that guidelines, which were implemented during Durga Puja such as no entry to pandals, would also be in effect during Kali Puja.
The bench lauded the state government for effectively implementing the court-directed guidelines on Durga Puja.
It asked the police to ensure that the norms are strictly enforced on Kali Puja as well.
Fifteen people will be allowed in the Kali Puja pandals having an area up to 300 sq metres, and 45 persons in the bigger ones, the court said. The bench also disallowed procession during immersion.
Earlier, the Sikkim government has also banned bursting of firecrackers during Diwali.
