Why the ban on firecrackers should only be for Delhi, asks Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has asked why the ban on firecrackers should only be for Delhi and the nearby areas instead of the whole country. The judges pointed out that everyone in India deserves clean air, not just people in the capital. They questioned why people in other cities should suffer from pollution while those in Delhi get special treatment.
The ban on bursting, sale and manufacture of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR has been in place since December 2024 following court's orders. In April, the court held that such a ban throughout the year is absolutely essential considering the horrible air quality in Delhi-NCR
The court was looking at complaints from firework sellers about a year-round ban on making, selling, and using firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR). A lawyer representing the firework traders mentioned that a lot of families rely on this business, and a complete ban would hurt them financially.
Air pollution is a problem for the whole country: SC
Another lawyer said that while there were no restrictions in 2018, a full ban was imposed earlier this year. The court was told that the current ban only affects the NCR, but the judges emphasized that air pollution is a problem for the whole country, not just one area.
Research is being done on green crackers
The Additional Solicitor General mentioned that research is being done on "green crackers" to find safer options. However, the firework manufacturers said the ban is causing them to lose their licenses, which are hard to get and renew.
The judges asked for a report on the air quality management and decided to keep the current licenses as they are for now. The next hearing will be on September 22.