The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu state government to submit a comprehensive report regarding the number of fireworks accidents reported in Virudhunagar district and the innovative safety measures implemented to prevent such incidents.
Court's Directions
A division bench comprising Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice M. Jothiraman instructed the state to file a detailed report specifying whether the fireworks units are licensed by the District Revenue Officer and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The judges also sought information on the number of cases registered following the accidents and their current legal status.
Online Portal and Safety Measures
The bench further directed the Virudhunagar district collector to provide details regarding the creation of an online portal that would list all fireworks units operating in the district. This portal would enable the public to submit complaints about any illegal units. Additionally, the court asked for information on innovative safety measures being adopted to prevent fireworks accidents.
Insurance and Compensation
The judges also requested details on insurance coverage and compensation provided to employees working in fireworks units. This follows a major blast at a fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti village on April 19, which claimed 25 lives.
Background
In the previous hearing, the court had directed the state to file a report with suggestions to prevent recurring accidents in fireworks units. The court was hearing a batch of petitions related to compensation for workers in fireworks unit accidents, including a public interest litigation seeking the formation of the Tamil Nadu Fireworks Corporation to oversee and regulate the fireworks industry in the state.
