Kollam: In a bid to ensure that tragedies such as the one that struck the Puttingal Temple in Kollam in Kerala leaving over a 100 people, the Kerala High Court today banned the use of sound-making fireworks at all places of worship between sunset and sunrise.
The ban, however, is only partial as the court has refrained from imposing a complete ban on fireworks, thereby not eliminating the complete threat of such freak accidents. The matter of a complete ban on explosive fireworks is also in court is likely to come up for hearing next week.
The temple tragedy occurred when sparks from fireworks fell on a store room where more firecrackers were kept. The fireworks display was being carried out despite the absence of any official permission to temple authorities to do so.
The High Court, while hearing on the matter, also sought the state government's opinion on whether the CBI should investigate the Kollam temple tragedy. The court further asked the High Court whether it thinks 'anti-nationals' were involved in the temple tragedy because the area is close to the sea from where there could be infiltration.
Several temple officials are among the 13 people arrested on charges that include attempted murder.
The Kerala government confirmed on Wednesday that over 1,000 people had been injured in the fire.
(With agencies)
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