{
  "id": 17094062,
  "title": "Our orders breached ‘left and right’, Deepavali was a festival of lights before gunpowder, Supreme Court says in firecrackers case",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/our-orders-breached-left-and-right-deepavali-was-a-festival-of-lights",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-29T17:23:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/our-orders-breached-left-and-right-deepavali-was-a-festival-of-lights-before-gunpowder-supreme-court-says-in-firecrackers-case/article71641952.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a ruling on Thursday (October 29, 2026), the Supreme Court of India expressed frustration that its orders to limit or ban firecrackers during the Deepavali festival had been consistently disregarded. The court emphasized that the right to religious freedom must be balanced with public health and the protection of fundamental rights. Justice M.M. Sundresh noted that the continuous bursting of firecrackers adversely affects the health of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.\n\nJustice Sundresh argued that the tradition of firing firecrackers during Deepavali, often referred to as the \"festival of lights,\" may have originated with the use of gunpowder. The court was hearing a case concerning the rising pollution and loud noise from firecrackers leading up to the festival. While acknowledging the public's enthusiasm for festivities, Justice Sundresh stated that a complete ban on firecrackers could have unintended consequences. Instead, the court urged a balanced approach that encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly, next-generation crackers.\n\nThe Supreme Court expressed empathy for law enforcement officers who hesitate to prosecute ordinary citizens for firecracker misuse. The court was not advocating for an outright ban but was instead concerned about enforcing its previous orders. It directed the Environment Ministry, along with the Centre and the Delhi government, to ensure enforcement against sellers of banned or spurious crackers who aim to profit from the festive season. The court suggested that celebrities be enlisted to promote awareness against firecrackers and reiterated that the solution must come from within the public.",
  "summary": "A complete ban may have a ‘spiralling effect’, the court says, asks the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure enforcement against sellers of spurious and banned crackers",
  "key_points": [
    "Supreme Court frustrated by repeated disregard of firecracker bans",
    "Balancing religious freedom with public health concerns",
    "Urges adoption of eco-friendly firecrackers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Bar bodies foiled plan to rope in ex-judges: Supreme Court",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/bar-bodies-foiled-plan-to-rope-in-ex-judges-supreme-court",
        "published": "2026-10-29T21:15:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}