Supreme Court on cracker ban: No faith promotes activities that pollute the environment

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court on Monday remarked that no religion promotes activities that contribute to air pollution. The court has instructed the Delhi government to decide on implementing a permanent ban on firecrackers in the capital by November 25.

“The right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. On a preliminary basis, we believe that no religion endorses any activity that causes pollution or harms public health,” said the bench, consisting of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih. The court also directed the Delhi Police to set up a special unit to enforce the firecracker ban and hold Station House Officers (SHOs) accountable for ensuring its implementation, which had been enforced by the Delhi government on October 14.

Additionally, the court ordered the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit an affidavit by November 25, detailing whether notices had been issued to all firecracker manufacturers regarding the ban. The police were also asked to provide information on the measures taken to curb the online sale of firecrackers.