After demonetisation, GST, firecracker ban add to traders' woes

After ban on firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) in the run-up of Diwali, the traders are the ones who are facing its brunt the most.

The Supreme Court had on Monday put a blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers till November 1 to check pollution.

The apex court's decision was, however, not welcomed by the firecracker traders.

Talking to ANI, a businessman said that they are already facing huge loss because of the demonetisation and the GST rollout and now after the apex court's decision, they have been compelled to close their shops.

"We paid 28 percent GST on firecrackers, but after Supreme Court's order, we had to shut our shop," a Delhi-based businessman told ANI.

Another trader said that they don't have any other option than to face this problem after demonetisation and GST.

"Firstly we faced demonetisation then GST and now this. What can we do?" he asked

A three-judge bench restored apex court's November 2016 order banning sale of crackers in NCR and suspended its September 2017 order - which allowed limited sale but banned imports from other states.

In September's order, the apex court had modified its order and allowed limited sale of firecrackers but banned import from other states.