Government employees in Mizoram who violate the state's new fireworks regulation law could face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, Home Minister K. Sapdanga said on Friday.
Briefing reporters at the Aizawl Press Club, Sapdanga explained the provisions of the Mizoram Regulation of Fireworks Act, 2026, which was passed by the state Legislative Assembly on August 25 and notified in September.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Public servants violating the fireworks law face up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Prior permission from the concerned Deputy Commissioner is mandatory for using or possessing fireworks.
General violations can attract up to three months' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50,000.
Parents or guardians are liable for offences committed by children below 12 years.
Unlicensed fireworks sales are punishable under the Explosives Act, 1884.
Offences under the state Act are cognisable and bailable.
The legislation regulates the use, possession and sale of fireworks and related materials in the state. It also establishes penalties for violations and assigns enforcement responsibilities to designated authorities.
Under Sections 3 and 4 of the Act, prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district is mandatory for using, setting off or possessing fireworks.
Section 11 provides for imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of up to ₹50,000 for individuals who use or possess fireworks in violation of these requirements.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The legislation introduces a state-wide regulatory framework for fireworks in Mizoram, with penalties for unauthorised use, possession and sale. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms involving government authorities and local supervisory committees.
The Act also states that if such an offence is committed by a child below 12 years of age, the parent or guardian will be held responsible and liable for punishment.
Stricter penalties apply to public servants under Section 12. Those violating the provisions governing the use or possession of fireworks can face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
The legislation also regulates the commercial sale of fireworks. Under Section 5, fireworks cannot be sold from premises without a valid licence issued under the Explosives Act, 1884, and the rules framed under it.
Section 13 provides for punishment for unauthorised sales under the Explosives Act, including imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both. The commercial licence of a shop involved in such violations is also liable to cancellation.
Section 14 of the state legislation classifies offences under the Act as cognisable and bailable. The law also provides for search and seizure in cases involving suspected violations.
The Act establishes a High-Level Committee, District Supervisory Committees and Local Supervisory Committees to oversee implementation and coordinate enforcement across Mizoram.
