Supreme Court Refuses to Lift Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR, Cites Air Pollution Concerns
In a strong move to combat air pollution, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday reaffirmed its total ban on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that temporary restrictions during festival months were ineffective in curbing pollution and ruled out any relaxation, even for green crackers.
Right to Clean Air is Fundamental: Supreme Court
The court underscored that the right to a pollution-free atmosphere is integral to the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
“Unless it is proven that green crackers cause minimal pollution, there is no question of allowing them,” observed the Bench.
This ruling follows the January 2024 decision, where the Supreme Court extended firecracker bans imposed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in NCR. The ban, initially valid until January 17, now remains in force until further orders.
Federation of Fireworks Traders Denied Relief
Rejecting an intervention plea by the Federation of Fireworks Traders, the apex court dismissed claims that firecrackers did not contribute to pollution.
“Why should we hear you? You must prove that burning firecrackers does not create pollution,” the Bench stated, allowing sales only in regions where no ban exists.
Delhi Government Pulled Up for Poor Implementation
The court’s decision follows its November 2024 post-Diwali review, where it criticized the Delhi government for failing to enforce the firecracker ban. It had sought an affidavit from the Delhi Police Commissioner detailing enforcement actions and suggested sealing premises of violators and blocking cross-border import of firecrackers.
What’s Next? Guidelines on Manufacturing and Sale Expected
The Supreme Court has indicated that it may soon issue guidelines on firecracker manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution to ensure better implementation of the ban.
With this landmark decision, the nationwide conversation on air pollution and firecracker use continues. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
