The Greater Chennai Police reported a total of 581 cases in a press release dated 13 November 2023, with the majority (554) related to the “violation” of Supreme Court-mandated time restrictions on bursting firecrackers during Diwali. The Supreme Court had stipulated a 2-hour window for fireworks, allowing them only from 6 AM to 7 AM and 7 PM to 8 PM.
On 11 November 2023, media outlets highlighted the establishment of a “special force” within the Greater Chennai Police to enforce the timing restrictions. This force, present in 102 police stations across Chennai, comprises 2 constables led by sub-inspectors. The focus of this special force was on apprehending individuals violating both the specified time frames and those using firecrackers exceeding 125 decibels.
The police engaged in “intensive surveillance” from 11 November 2023 to 13 November 2023, resulting in 554 cases related to bursting firecrackers beyond the designated hours. Additionally, 8 cases were registered for running firecracker shops in violation of Tamil Nadu Government rules, and 19 cases were booked for bursting firecrackers with excessive noise. In total, 581 cases were documented by the Greater Chennai Police during this period.
Harassment Of People Celebrating Deebavali
On the one side, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was seen asking a crowd, “Tomorrow is Deepavali, will you burst crackers, say loudly?” and on the other, a citizen of Tamil Nadu is heckled by the police for bursting firecrackers outside the stipulated time limits.
Taking to social media platform X, a gentleman named Narayanan shared a video of the police harassing people in Chennai. Here we can see them say, “We have informed you of the rules and regulations, it is our duty,” The Hindus who were heckled by the police are seen saying, “You can do whatever you want, we will burst crackers only when we can, we cannot follow your time limits to celebrate our festival. We also have our rules and regulations with regard to the festival we follow.”
@HMOIndia you are asking to celebrate Diwali by bursting crackers, while CM stalin is trying to stop it by using police force@MSBalajiMSB @MgmPremnath @aakuvan @jkgche @JKalyanaraman @jd @Sevakofmata @aghathiyar @Johni_raja @EURONGREYJOY007 @KishoreIyer5 @SSRPillai @annamalai_k pic.twitter.com/BhLai0byQH
— NKR Iyer (@NarayananKR777) November 12, 2023
It was later made known that the police let them off with a warning and noted down their personal details such as phone numbers.
Upon coming across this video, several netizens shared their views on the behaviour of the police in harassing people.
It's our Festival.. Our Right to celebrate.. Not afraid of any Anti Hindu elements of whatever capacity. Bravo @NarayananKR777.. This Diwali is to crush Narakasuranism in any form..@dharmic_indians @aghathiyar @Sevakofmata @jkgche @ArunKumaravel10 @SSRPillai @Dharmic_Jana https://t.co/N09j50h8v8
— AK🇮🇳 (@aakuvan) November 12, 2023
This is also one way of eradicating sanathana dharma in Tamilnadu by this atheist Dravidian fools, time is watching, karma will dictate lesson soon https://t.co/01MqwhE4ih
— CVG 100% HINDUstani🪷 (@cvganesh2k) November 12, 2023
Looks like Constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights are being curtailed and constrained selectively. Is there an appropriate law enactment to substantiate warrant action against violations? @rajbhavan_tn https://t.co/9UW9Y8xOLi
— VS (@kautilyatv) November 12, 2023
Eradicating Sanatana Dharma on schedule https://t.co/Zhfciuk4ZV
— Harish (@harish3912) November 12, 2023
Police in the city of Chennai were seen going on a patrolling spree on Deebavali morning and asking people to not burst crackers.
Cops asking people to stop Bursting Crackers!
This is unprecedented.. and atrocious by the TN government and the courts! pic.twitter.com/38LkoUhKVC— KishoreIyer (@KishoreIyer5) November 12, 2023
Over the weekend, Chennai witnessed an unprecedented surge in firecracker-bursting activity, particularly on the day of Deebavali. Despite the prescribed time limits on cracker bursting, the people in the city celebrated their festival with enthusiasm, undeterred by the limitations imposed.
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