CBI to probe use of barium nitrate in green crackers

A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, said it had specifically banned the use of barium nitrate in the production of green crackers and the violation needed to be probed.

It also directed six manufacturers from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu to show cause as to why they should not be proceeded for contempt of court. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for three children, alleged that the manufacturers have been violating the court’s order prohibiting the use of the chemical. The bench asked the CBI to submit a report and posted the matter for hearing after eight weeks.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to file a response to the objections raised against the use of chemical components like barium nitrate and potassium nitrate in the formulation of ‘green crackers’. The court had in October, 2018 explained that only green crackers without barium salt would allowed to be manufactured.