Mon Nov 18 13:14:56 UTC 2024: **Supreme Court Slams Delhi Government for Lax Enforcement of Diwali Firecracker Ban**
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court of India has sharply criticized the Delhi government for its failure to effectively enforce a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali. Despite the ban, widespread flouting of the regulations led to a significant spike in air pollution.
During a hearing yesterday before Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masie, the court expressed its disappointment with the Delhi Police’s lackadaisical approach to enforcing the ban. The judges noted that the affidavit submitted to the court by authorities made no mention of informing those permitted to manufacture, store, or sell firecrackers about the ban. The court also questioned the delay in implementing the ban until October 14th, suggesting this delay contributed to the widespread purchase of firecrackers.
The court has directed the Delhi government to consult with all stakeholders and decide within 15 days whether to extend the firecracker ban year-round. A response is expected by October 25th. The justices emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right of every citizen and that no religion condones actions that cause pollution. The use of polluting firecrackers, they argued, infringes upon the fundamental right to health.
First Piper 