Ban on crackers: Government to file objections

BANGALORE: The High Court on Monday directed the State Government to file objections within two weeks in connection with a petition seeking ban on the use of crackers during the Diwali festival.Hearing a petition filed by city-based advocate and party in person B V Puttegowda, the division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice A S Bopanna, directed the State Government to file objections within two weeks and adjourned the matter for further hearing.The petitioner cited several incidents of eye injuries due to the use of crackers during Diwali and submitted that indiscriminate use of crackers during the festival resulted many losing their eyesight.Pointing out some of the hospital reports related to damage of vision due to bursting crackers, Puttegowda submitted that most of the victims are children below the age of 15 and some hospitals have even recommended the ban on use of fire works. He also stated that the use of crackers leads to noise, air and water pollution in the city.