(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
The Supreme Court of India has sparked a big debate on firecrackers and air pollution, questioning why the strict year-round ban applies only to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). On Friday, the court made it clear that clean, pollution-free air is a right for every citizen across the country—not just those in the capital.
A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran didn’t hold back. They suggested exploring a nationwide ban on firecrackers to ensure fairness. “The right to breathe pollution-free air belongs to all Indians, not just people in Delhi-NCR,” the bench remarked. They pointed out that if NCR residents deserve clean air, why shouldn’t folks in other cities get the same? “Just because Delhi is the capital and the Supreme Court is here doesn’t mean only they get special treatment,” they added.
CJI Gavai shared a personal story to drive the point home. “I visited Amritsar last winter, and the pollution there was even worse than Delhi’s,” he said. He stressed that any policy on firecrackers must cover the entire nation—no favoritism for “elite” areas. “If we ban firecrackers, let’s do it pan-India,” the Chief Justice urged.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, updated the court on green crackers. She explained that the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) is studying them with expert input. The bench then directed the government to get a detailed report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on firecrackers and air pollution control. The next hearing is set for September 22.
This case focuses on tackling air pollution in Delhi-NCR, including the thorny issues of firecrackers and stubble burning. With festivals like Diwali approaching, the court’s push for a uniform approach could reshape how India handles fireworks nationwide.
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