No religion encourages pollution... SC's comment on burning of firecrackers

Supreme Court News: The Supreme Court has taken a tough stand on the increasing pollution problem in Delhi-NCR and has made several important comments. The court made it clear that no religion supports increasing pollution, and burning firecrackers violates the right to clean air. In view of this, the Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to file a personal affidavit by November 25, stating what steps have been taken to enforce the ban on firecrackers.

The Supreme Court handed over the responsibility to Delhi Police

The court has said that the Delhi Police Commissioner should constitute a special cell for the effective implementation of the ban on firecrackers so that pollution can be controlled. The Supreme Court also questioned why the Delhi government delayed so much in implementing this ban. The government issued an order banning firecrackers on October 14, which was just before Diwali, whereas such steps should have been taken earlier so that people could not stock up on firecrackers.

Court's questions to Delhi government and police

During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the Delhi government and police as to why the ban on firecrackers is limited only to Diwali. Justice Oka, seeking clarification from the Delhi government in this matter, said that if someone is claiming the right to burn firecrackers under Article 21 of the Constitution, then he should come before the Supreme Court.

Emphasis on permanent ban not only on Diwali

The Delhi government's lawyer told the court that after consultation with various stakeholders, the demand for a permanent ban on firecrackers is being considered. On this, senior advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan clarified that this ban should not be limited to Diwali only, but a permanent ban should be implemented across the country, so that the ill effects on people's health can be prevented.

Question from the central government, "Why only after Dussehra?"

The central government questioned the instructions given by the Delhi government and said that the order banning firecrackers was issued on October 14, just two days after Dussehra, but no concrete steps were taken before that. On this issue, the Supreme Court questioned the strict compliance of the ban by the Delhi government and the police, and expressed displeasure over the delay in implementing it.

Right to pollution-free environment under Article 21

The Supreme Court reiterated in its decision that Article 21 of the Constitution gives every citizen the right to live in a pollution-free environment. Burning of firecrackers badly affects the air quality, which is dangerous for the health of citizens. The court said that effective steps should be taken to ensure its compliance.

Permanent steps needed to ban firecrackers

This matter is not limited to Delhi-NCR only, but considering the pollution level of the entire country, the court has emphasized the need for a complete solution. The court believes that it is very important to control activities that have a negative impact on the environment and health. The idea of ​​a permanent ban on firecrackers can be important not only for Delhi-NCR but also in controlling pollution across the country.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has taken the issue of pollution in Delhi-NCR seriously and has directed all the concerned agencies to take strict action. Now all eyes are on how the Delhi government, police, and other NCR states take steps in this direction.