Mon Nov 11 08:15:35 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Slams Delhi Police Over Failure to Enforce Firecracker Ban
**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court on Monday issued a sharp rebuke to the Delhi Police for their failure to effectively implement the ban on firecrackers in the capital, even days after Diwali. The court demanded immediate action to stop the sale and bursting of firecrackers, highlighting that no religion condones pollution.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, hearing a case on Delhi’s annual air quality crisis, expressed strong disapproval, stating, “No religion encourages any activity which creates pollution. If firecrackers are burst in this fashion… it also affects the fundamental right to health of the citizens.”
The court also directed the Delhi government to announce a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25, emphasizing the severe health risks posed by the toxic smog caused by firecracker residue.
This latest hearing follows last week’s reprimand of the Delhi government and police for their failure to enforce the ban, which has been announced annually before Diwali with little effect.
Despite the Delhi Police Chief filing an affidavit detailing the steps taken, the court remained unimpressed, stating, “It appears quite obvious the ban had, so far, failed to work.” The court questioned the effectiveness of the police’s efforts, asking, “After October 14 did the police go and stop the sale of firecrackers?” to which the police responded affirmatively, but were met with skepticism by the court.
The court further criticized the police, stating, “This is all eyewash,” and pointed out the lack of communication about the ban to manufacturers and stores selling firecrackers. The court directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately take action to ensure compliance with the ban.
The Delhi government also faced criticism for delaying the announcement of the ban, with the court suggesting that this allowed people to stock up on firecrackers before the ban came into effect.
The court’s strong stance comes amidst alarming air quality levels in Delhi. On the Monday following Diwali, the air quality index plummeted across the city to the ‘severe’ category, with readings exceeding 400 in many areas. This highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat air pollution and protect public health.
First Piper 