Misuse Of Firecrackers Can Cause Not Only Ocular Injuries But Also Other Bodily Harm: Delhi High Court Calls For Inclusive Prayers In PIL

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday heard a public interest litigation concerning the issue of ocular injuries caused due to usage of firecrackers, in absence of proper safeguards followed during manufacturing of the products.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that misuse of firecrackers can result not only in ocular injuries but can also cause bodily harm and may also harm pets and animals.

The Court asked Advocate Rahul Bajaj, appearing for petitioner organization- Ocular Trauma Society of India, to amend the prayer clause of the PIL and make the prayer “more inclusive” in nature.

“The concerns raised in this PIL petition is in relation to formulation and implementation of prayers and guidelines for safe use of firecrackers to prevent ocular injuries. Misuse of firecrackers has the potential not only to cause ocular injuries but also injuries to any other body part, even to the pets and other animals,” the Court said.

It added: “In the aforesaid view of the matter, we are inclined to entertain this PIL confined not only for evolving measures to prevent ocular injuries but also other bodily injuries and other ill effects on health in general.”

The Court permitted Bajaj to file an application for amending the plea and making its averments in relation to other misuses of firecrackers as well as for amending the prayer clause accordingly.

“We grant two weeks time for the said purpose. Let an appropriate amendment application be moved by the petitioner within two weeks,” the Court said.

During the hearing today, the Chief Justice orally told Bajaj that misuse of firecrackers is not only causing eye injuries but is also causing bodily injuries as well and thus, the plea should not be confined to only one kind of injury and must focus on inclusive guidelines.

“There has to be integrated type of guidelines. Firecracker is having the potential of causing ocular injuries. Same firecracker is working in same mechanism and has the potential to cause injuries in head. There has to be integrated guidelines. We request you to modify the prayers and file a comprehensive petition,” CJ said.

The matter will now be heard on April 09.

Title: Ocular Trauma Society of India v. Union of India & Anr.