The Kerala High Court banned Tuesday high-decibel firecrackers from sunset to sunrise, NDTV reported. The court also pulled up the state police for allowing a fireworks show at the Puttingal Devi temple to take place when no permission was given for it.
The annual celebration at the Puttingal Devi temple in Kollam district of Kerala turned tragic Sunday when a firecracker landed on a pile of fireworks stored in the temple. The massive fire led to an explosion due to which the roof of a building collapsed, killing 109 people and injuring hundreds of others.
"How did fireworks happen without permission? [sic]" the judges were quoted as asking by ANI when the state government said no permission had been given for the display. "Why did police allow the fireworks then, why didn't they stop the fireworks? [sic]" the bench added. "Did a single policeman not notice the explosives that were collected for the show?" the court was quoted as saying by NDTV.
"Revenue department is also responsible along with the temple authorities for the mishap, [sic]" the judges observed.
The court also equated the police's oversight to human rights violation, NDTV reported. The bench also observed Tuesday the Central Bureau of Investigation should probe the Puttingal Devi temple fire that killed 109 and injured more than 1,000 people Sunday.
The court was hearing a case on the ban of high-decibel firecrackers in all temples in the state. A senior high court judge had suggested a ban on high-decibel firecrackers Monday, according to DNA. He had reportedly said: "The right to profess, practice and propagate the religion of one's choice under Article 25 of the Constitution of India does not take in the freedom to use dangerous crackers."
At least seven people, including temple officials, were arrested Tuesday in connection with the fatal blaze.
