When state can sell liquor, why cannot it sell crackers for Diwali: Madras high court

CHENNAI: The Chennai Fireworks Dealers Welfare Association has moved the Madras high court alleging that the Tamil Nadu govt is proceeding with a tender to allot shops to sell crackers in the city during Diwali despite a ban imposed by the court.

The association wants the court to take contempt of court action against the tourism secretary for violating its order.

When the plea came up for hearing, Justice M Dhandapani wondered why the state cannot make arrangements to sell crackers for Diwali when it is selling liquor.

Responding to the observation, additional advocate general J Ravindran submitted that the court cannot make such observations against the state, which is in no way related to the case at hand.

He explained that while the court passed the interim stay against the tender on Sept 15, the tender was allotted on Sept 14 itself.

Recording the submissions, the court directed the appearance of the tourism secretary and the managing director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and adjourned the hearing.