‘No religion supports polluting habits’, Supreme Court’s comment on ban on firecrackers

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While hearing the matter regarding the ban on firecrackers, the Supreme Court has said that ‘no religion supports pollution-causing habits.’ Along with this, the Supreme Court has asked the Delhi government to prepare for a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25. Delhi Police has also been given instructions in this regard. Delhi Police will form an SIT to prevent the burning of firecrackers. Along with this, the SHO will be given the responsibility of properly implementing the ban on burning firecrackers.

“The right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity which causes pollution or compromises the health of the people,” a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Christ observed.

Delhi government had imposed a ban on October 14

The Delhi government had banned firecrackers on 14 October. However, the ban was not followed properly during Diwali, and firecrackers were burnt in large numbers in Delhi NCR. After this, the court has said that the Delhi Police did not take the ban seriously. The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi Police Commissioner to file an affidavit by November 25 and tell whether a notice was issued to all firecracker manufacturers regarding the ban. Along with this, the police were also asked to explain in detail the steps taken to ban the online sale of firecrackers.

Details sought from all states included in NCR.

The Supreme Court has asked all the states included in the National Capital Region to provide information about the steps taken to control air pollution. Delhi NCR includes parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, stubble burning in Punjab also affects Delhi.