Priyanka Tiwari
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On Thursday, the Supreme Court firmly declined to relax the ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized that air pollution in the region has remained at dangerous levels for an extended period.
Right to Health Takes Precedence
The court highlighted the constitutional right to health under Article 21, asserting that every citizen has the right to live in a pollution-free environment.
“A large section of the population works outdoors and cannot afford air purifiers,” the bench noted, underlining the need to protect public health over festive practices.
No Evidence That Green Crackers Are Safe Enough
Responding to pleas for reconsideration of the ban, the court made it clear that no relaxation would be considered unless it is proven that even “green crackers” result in bare minimum pollution.
“Unless satisfied with minimal pollution levels from green crackers, we see no reason to revisit previous rulings,” the bench stated.
Previous Orders Based on 'Extraordinary Situation'
The court cited several past rulings delivered over the last six months, highlighting the severe environmental crisis in Delhi. The bench concluded that the restrictions were justified by the extraordinary situation created by dangerously high pollution levels.
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