Mon Nov 18 13:14:35 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Slams Delhi Over Diwali Firecracker Ban Failure
**New Delhi, November 18, 2024:** The Supreme Court of India expressed strong disapproval over the ineffective enforcement of the firecracker ban during Diwali in Delhi. The court heard a case regarding the dangerously high levels of air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas during the recent Diwali festival, despite the existing ban.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay Oka and A.G. Massi, noted that the levels of air pollution were unacceptable and criticized the Delhi government’s late implementation of the ban, only issuing orders on October 14th, allowing for prior sales. The court stated that the right to a pollution-free environment is a fundamental part of the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution, and that no religion encourages pollution.
The court questioned the Delhi Police’s inaction in preventing sales by licensed vendors and ordered immediate action to halt all firecracker sales, suggesting the creation of a special police unit to address this issue. The court also directed the Delhi government to ensure a complete ban on firecrackers throughout the year in Delhi, and urged neighboring states to take similar measures to prevent storage and sale of firecrackers.
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to submit a report on the actions taken by November 25th. The court’s strong stance highlights the seriousness of the air pollution problem and its determination to enforce environmental regulations.
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