Fireworks shops: HC directs Centre to form panel for norms

Underlining the need for rules and regulations while issuing licence to permanent fireworks shops, the Madras High Court today directed the Centre to form a panel comprising top central and state government officials for evolving the norms in consultation with experts.
The direction was given by a bench here comprising Justices S Nagamuthu and M V Muralidharan on a PIL suo motu initiated by them following the death of nine persons in a fire crackers shop accident at fireworks hub of Sivakasi in neighbouring Virudhunagar district in October.
The judges said that as of now, there were no regulations or guidelines for issuing license to permanent shops regarding the distance between the shops and other protected work spots like schools or hospitals.

The Union Industry Secretary in-charge of Industrial Policy and Promotion should head a panel with Tamil Nadu Revenue Secretary, Additional Home Secretary, Chief Controller of Explosives and convene a meeting in the second week of December for framing the guidelines, the judges said.
The panel could take suggestions from experts in the field besides fire service and police officials, and submit a report in eight weeks to the court.
The Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, who was present in the court, said there were no rules or guidelines regarding distance between permanent shops and other protected work places.
The matter will come up for further hearing after the report is received.