Delhi High Court Proposes Expansion of PIL for Firecracker Safety Guidelines
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has granted two weeks for expanding a public interest litigation focused on creating guidelines for the safe use of firecrackers to prevent ocular injuries, highlighting the need for broader safety measures.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi HC allows two weeks for PIL expansion.
- Focus on comprehensive firecracker safety guidelines.
- Ocular injuries are a major concern during festivals.
- Need for regulations to minimize health risks.
- Public education and strict enforcement suggested.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has allowed a two-week period to expand the scope of a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at creating comprehensive guidelines for the safe handling of firecrackers to avert ocular injuries.
A panel consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela recommended that the PIL petitioner, the Ocular Trauma Society of India (OTSI), revise the requests in the PIL to encompass other types of injuries resulting from firecrackers.
The bench highlighted that firecrackers can lead not only to ocular injuries but also to injuries affecting other parts of the body.
Eventually, it allowed the petitioner’s attorney to submit an amendment to the petition to include not only the prevention of ocular injuries but also other injuries.
The petition, lodged through lawyers Rahul Bajaj and Sarah, demanded immediate action from the Delhi High Court to ensure that the Union Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, as well as Environment, Forests and Climate Change, oversee the usage and production of firecrackers nationwide to reduce significant public health hazards.
The PIL argued that the government is required to develop and execute comprehensive guidelines for the safe usage of firecrackers to avert ocular injuries among the general public.
"The use of firecrackers, particularly during celebrations like Diwali, has led to a considerable number of ophthalmic injuries, including corneal abrasions, chemical burns, and thermal burns. These injuries are frequently severe, resulting in permanent vision loss in many instances," the petition stated.
Data from various studies indicate that firecrackers are responsible for about 20 percent of all ocular injuries during festive periods, the petition further noted, mentioning that from 2017 to 2020, there were 65 instances of ocular trauma due to firecrackers, with a substantial portion of victims being under the age of 20, and injuries mainly affecting bystanders.
It emphasized the urgent necessity for the implementation and enforcement of specific, clear, and effective regulations regarding the use of firecrackers, especially concerning their impact on vision loss. The petitioner proposed initiatives such as public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations on permissible firecracker use, limitations on usage in densely populated areas, and mandatory safety measures like protective eyewear.
The Ocular Trauma Society of India, which is registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, seeks to advance education, prevention, management, and research related to ocular trauma.
