| Subject: |
Possession of foreign firecrackers illegal: Madras HC |
|
CHENNAI: Central government has not issued any licence to anyone to import firecrackers from foreign countries, including China, and hence possession or sale or transport of foreign firecrackers is illegal, TN government informed the Madras high court on Monday.
Referring to a letter from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in that regard, additional advocate-general of Tamil Nadu P H Arvindh Pandian told the court that a total of 36 special squads with officers drawn from various department had been formed to raid premises stocking foreign firecrackers, seize them and destroy them, besides initiating action under relevant laws.
"The squads should take action against people who possess, sell or transport foreign firecrackers including Chinese crackers, in contravention of rules," letters from authorities read.Pandian furnished copies of letters from director-general of police, Chennai city commissioner of police, corporation of Chennai and municipal administration department, and informed Justice N Kirubakaran that his orders dated October 16 to form special squads had been complied with.
On October 16, Justice Kirubakaran had directed state and central government authorities to take appropriate action to stop import of banned Chinese crackers capable of destroying the cottage industry in the country. In an earlier order, he had asked CBI to raid places where such crackers are stocked and sold.
Interestingly, DRI admitted in the court that illegal import of firecrackers did take place in circumvention of government policy not to permit import of foreign firecrackers. "It is a serious concern that these illegal imports are reportedly continuing despite best efforts by law enforcement agencies. As Diwali is nearing, there is a possibility of more such illegal imports without necessary permission," said John Joseph, principal additional director-general of DRI.
"The director-general of foreign trade (DGFT) has not issued any licence so far to any importer. Besides harming the domestic industry, fireworks of foreign origin are hazardous in nature, and jeopardize public safety and health," the letter addressed to Tamil Nadu director-general of police Ashok Kumar read.
During hearing, however, the judge said it would not be possible to order continuous search and checking of vehicles at all 19 check points in the state. Random checking alone is possible, he said. Justice Kirubakaran then directed police, revenue, fire and rescue service and municipal administration officials to file reports on seizures of unlicensed crackers and raids, besides other action taken to prevent transportation, stocking, sale and use of unlicensed foreign crackers by Friday.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
|