The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 29, reserved its order on restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) ahead of Diwali, observing that years of annual judicial directions had failed to stop violations and worsening seasonal air pollution. A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale heard the matter in New Delhi.
Source: IANS via Hi India
“Every year, we pass orders on the issue. For us, it has now become an academic exercise. Our orders are violated more often than they are followed,” the Sundresh-led bench observed, warning that judicial directions would become a “mockery” if authorities failed to enforce them on the ground. The court asked the Union government to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to enforce the existing restrictions.
Source: IANS via Hi India
In a push for a different approach, the bench suggested using prominent public figures to change behaviour. “Why can’t you use the services of prominent personalities to make the public aware, like the sportsmen, or the public figures who are highly respected, from any walk of life?” it asked, naming cricketer Virat Kohli as an example. It also called for educational institutions to be involved in sensitising children and younger people about pollution and its long-term health effects.
Source: Nation Press
The bench drew a distinction between the festival and firecrackers, observing that Diwali was traditionally a festival of light and lamps, and said a complete ban might not be the appropriate course on its own. It stressed a balanced approach that respects the festive spirit while protecting public health, with enforcement focused on the days when firecrackers are permitted.
Source: Report Wire
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), told the court a new action plan would be enforced from November 1, including allowing only BS-6 vehicles to enter Delhi from outside, revised government office timings to reduce congestion, and 608 anti-smog guns deployed across the capital. She accepted that air quality readings were comparatively higher on the days firecrackers had been allowed, according to the hearing report.
Source: Report Wire
Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday morning, with a city-level AQI of 229 recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board, underlining why the court’s reserved order is being closely watched across Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali.