Aizawl, Nov 6 (PTI) Government employees found violating Mizoram's new fireworks law could face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to Rs 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 assembly in August and notified the following month.
He said the law seeks to regulate the use, possession and sale of fireworks and related materials, while prescribing penalties for violations and assigning enforcement responsibilities to the authorities.
Under the law, fireworks cannot be lit, used or possessed without prior permission from the deputy commissioner, the minister said.
He said the sale of fireworks and related materials without the requisite licence is prohibited under the Explosives Act, 1884.
A person violating Sections 3 and 4 of the new law by using or possessing fireworks without permission can face imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 50,000, Sapdanga said.
If the offender is below 12, the penalty will be imposed on the child's parent or guardian, he added.
For government employees, a violation can attract imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, according to the minister.
Those violating Section 5 by selling fireworks or related materials without authorisation can be punished under the Explosives Act, 1884, with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both, he said.
Offences under the new law are cognisable and bailable, he said, adding that this allows police to register cases without prior permission from a magistrate.
