The Supreme Court of India issued a strong reprimand to the Delhi Police for failing to fully enforce its order banning firecrackers. The Court noted that the ban on firecrackers had not been implemented rigorously, accusing authorities of merely creating an appearance of enforcement. In response, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Police to establish a special cell to ensure strict adherence to the ban. Additionally, it ordered that only licensed manufacturers be allowed to produce and sell firecrackers, with unlicensed production and sale strictly prohibited.
In a significant observation, the Court remarked, “No religion promotes activities that increase pollution or harm public health.” The bench, comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, stated that the continued use of firecrackers posed a direct threat to citizens’ fundamental right to health, which could not be overlooked.
The Supreme Court instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the firecracker ban. Furthermore, the Court requested reports from states within the National Capital Region (NCR) to specify the measures they have adopted to curb pollution.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Delhi Police’s actions, the Supreme Court criticized the authorities for seizing only raw materials, accusing them of token enforcement. The Court emphasized that stricter measures were necessary to uphold public health rights and reduce pollution. In addition, the Court instructed the Delhi government to consult with stakeholders and consider a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25.
