Why not CBI probe Sivakasi case, asks High Court

When the case came up for hearing before a bench, Joint Chief Controller (JCC) of Explosives Department and Deputy Chief Controller (DCC) of Explosives Department appeared along with the Sivakasi DSP. 

The bench asked what was the procedure for renewal of licenses for cracker units. To this the JCC replied that they would receive application from parties concerned and renew their licences after collecting the required fee. However, the officials said that it was not possible to inspect all the units to check safety norms. According to Explosive Rules of 1983 they need not inspect the spot. When asked about the recent accident at Sivakasi on Oct 20, the JCC informed that the same license was issued to two persons as sub-contract which is a violation.

JCC further claimed that there was violation even in the size of the depot. The Judges then asked whether the officials do not know that cracker shops not be setup near residential areas and hospitals for which JCC replied that as per rules, one needs to only check for other cracker shops nearby. Then the judges directed Virudhunagar SP to appear at the court on Wednesday and adjourned the case to Wednesday.