Supreme Court Firecrackers Ban, Firecrackers Ban Forever Supreme Court, Delhi Police Firecrackers Ban: The Supreme Court of India on Monday came down heavily on Delhi Police after the firecrackers ban rule was openly flouted on the occasion of Diwali. Amid the worsening AQI and multiple states turning into gas chambers, the Apex court questioned the Delhi Police why there was not a permanent, nationwide ban on firecrackers. The apex judicial body also highlighted that restrictions are applied only during specific months in Delhi when air pollution remains a year-round issue in the national capital. Following the Supreme Court's strong observation, a permanent ban on firecrackers has been looming. Below is what the Supreme Court said-
Hearing the case concerning pollution in Delhi and specifically examining the action taken by authorities across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to curb stubble-burning incidents, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih slammed the Delhi Police. As per Bar and Bench, the court said that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
"Prima facie we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity which promotes pollution or compromises with the health of people," the Court said. During the last hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the Delhi government and Delhi Police how the ban on firecrackers to curb pollution was flouted during Diwali celebrations in the national capital.
Are firecrackers to be banned forever in India?
The Delhi Government today informed that the Court's instruction for perpetual (everlasting) ban will be considered after consultation with various stakeholders. The SC then asked about the stakeholders to be consulted and said a decision must be taken before the new year. The Court said, "Let your stakeholders come to us. If anybody is claiming the right to burn firecrackers under Article 21, let them come to us."
Ultimately, the top court directed the government to decide by November 25.
Apart from this, the Supreme Court also directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) Delhi to immediately take action to inform all concerned (sell, manufacture and deal with the sale of firecrackers) about the ban which is in place till January 1, 2025.