Court moots alternate jobs for those working in firecracker units

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice B Pugalendhi made the observation while dealing with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved over the safety of those working in the fire industry. “Several states are banning the bursting of firecrackers, which is ultimately having an impact over its manufacture that affects not only the fireworks industries/companies, but also the persons employed therein. Also, considering the risky circumstances under which the employees are working in the fireworks industries, this court feels that the Central and State governments shall come up with a scheme, providing alternate employment to those involved in the firework industries,” the bench led by Justice Kirubakaran held.

However, the bench, on accounting for the petitioner’s submissions that no safety measures are being adopted for the benefit of workers in the fireworks industry and a large number of whom employed at Sivakasi are in violation of the Explosives Rules, 2008 and the Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, 1950, called for district-wise information on various aspects relating to fireworks industry for the last ten years.

The details sought by the bench included the number of firework industries/companies in Tamil Nadu; the number of workers involved, directly and indirectly; number of accidents, lives lost and injuries in such industries; and the compensation paid for the same.

The bench also sought details about the inspections conducted to ensure compliance to safety measures and the number of violations detected as well as actions taken in response. The plea has been posted for further hearing to December 4.