New Delhi: SC Rejects Plea to Lift Firecracker Ban, Cites 'Dangerous' Pollution Levels. In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has refused to lift the ban on the manufacture, sale, and storage of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, stating that the region's air pollution has remained at dangerously high levels for too long.
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that street vendors and laborers suffer the most from pollution, as they cannot afford air purifiers at home or workplaces.
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The court noted that its multiple orders over the past six months prove the severity of pollution in the capital. The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to health, which includes living in a pollution-free environment.
The court dismissed arguments for lifting the ban, stating that unless green crackers are scientifically proven to cause minimal pollution, the restrictions will remain.
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Given Delhi’s "extraordinary circumstances," the court said the cracker ban was essential to prevent further harm. The court prioritized citizens' health over Diwali celebrations.
The ruling reinforces that environmental rights are fundamental rights. The ban stays in force unless new evidence proves green crackers are harmless. Authorities must strictly enforce restrictions to curb pollution spikes this winter.
