Supreme Court against blanket firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR, but asks ‘what is religious about it’
A bench comprising CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana said cooperation from citizens would be more effective in encouraging responsible celebrations
The Supreme Court asked on Monday for a practical approach to regulating firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region, stating that efforts to combat air pollution must consider public health concerns without disregarding religious sentiments. The court did not intend to impose a complete ban on firecrackers and encouraged voluntary adoption of safer practices.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana emphasized the importance of public awareness and citizen cooperation in promoting responsible celebrations. The court was deliberating on a suo motu case concerning air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, which includes issues such as firecrackers, crop residue burning, and solid waste management.
During the proceedings, the bench questioned, "What is religious about bursting of crackers?" The amicus curiae highlighted the health hazards posed by air pollution, particularly to the elderly, children, and infirm, but noted that restricting firecrackers might not be effective without proper enforcement. The court was cautious about passing restrictive orders and urged a practical and pragmatic approach, suggesting that people should celebrate responsibly within certain time limits and promote awareness about the harmful effects of certain firecrackers.
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