KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has imposed a ban on firecrackers in places of worship, in the wake of the Diwali festival. The ban is for bursting firecrackers at odd hours in places of worship. In the interim order issued on a plea that sought a ban on bursting crackers in front of worship places, the court said, “ There exists no commandant in any holy book that supports bursting crackers to please gods.”

The High Court also directed the District Collectors to ensure that fireworks are not set off at odd hours. The order was passed by Justice Amit Rawal.

The court also ordered the seizure of ammunition illegally stored in places of worship and pointed out the noise pollution and environmental distress bursting crackers could produce. The High Court's order came on a petition seeking a ban on firecrackers in the Maradu temple.