The Delhi High Court on Wednesday considered a public interest litigation addressing ocular injuries resulting from firecracker use, citing inadequate safety measures during their manufacturing.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the misuse of firecrackers can lead to ocular injuries, bodily harm, and potential risks to pets and animals.

The Court directed Advocate Rahul Bajaj, representing the petitioner organization—Ocular Trauma Society of India—to amend the prayer clause of the PIL, making it “more inclusive” in nature.

“The concerns raised in this PIL petition is in relation to the formulation and implementation of prayers and guidelines for safe use of firecrackers to prevent ocular injuries. Misuse of firecrackers has the potential not only to cause ocular injuries but also injuries to any other body part, even to the pets and other animals,” the Court said.

It added: “In the aforesaid view of the matter, we are inclined to entertain this PIL confined not only for evolving measures to prevent ocular injuries but also other bodily injuries and other ill effects on health in general.”

The Court allowed Advocate Rahul Bajaj to file an application to amend the plea, incorporating references to other misuses of firecrackers and modifying the prayer clause accordingly.

“We grant two weeks time for the said purpose. Let an appropriate amendment application be moved by the petitioner within two weeks,” the Court said.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice orally remarked to Bajaj that the misuse of firecrackers not only causes eye injuries but also results in bodily harm. He emphasized that the plea should not be limited to a single type of injury and must advocate for inclusive guidelines.

“There has to be integrated type of guidelines. Firecracker is having the potential of causing ocular injuries. Same firecracker is working in same mechanism and has the potential to cause injuries in head. There has to be integrated guidelines. We request you to modify the prayers and file a comprehensive petition,” CJ said.