“When it comes to pollution, there is a wrong perception it is the duty of courts. But it has to be everybody’s duty," the Supreme Court said.
Digital Desk: In a major development on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban on the use and sale of firecrackers extends across the whole country and is not limited to Delhi-NCR only. The apex court noted this in response to an appeal alarming the high pollution levels in Udaipur, the declining air quality index, and the absence of laws defining noise pollution levels.
It should be noted that the Supreme Court previously refused to lift the ban on the sale of firecrackers because they were exacerbating the problem of air pollution. The Supreme Court stated that "curbing pollution is not just the court's duty" while upholding the ban on firecrackers.
“When it comes to pollution, there is a wrong perception it is the duty of courts. But it has to be everybody’s duty," the Supreme Court said.
SC Hits Punjab for Burning Stubble
The Punjab government was also severely criticised by the top court for stubble burning, stating that "there can't be a political battle over the issue all the time."
The Rajasthan and other state governments were instructed by the Supreme Court to abide by its previous ruling regarding the use of firecrackers during the holiday season. With the statement that "it is everyone's duty to manage pollution," the Supreme Court ordered the Rajasthani government to take appropriate action to reduce air pollution, especially during the festival.
Ahead of the Diwali celebration, the Delhi government decided to ban the use of firecrackers in the nation's capital. The apex court previously declined to intervene in this decision. It should be noted that the Supreme Court prohibited the sale and use of firecrackers in 2018 and subsequently declared that the restrictions would remain and be properly implemented.
In a recent press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai declared that all kinds of firecrackers will be banned in the nation's capital during Diwali, such as this year. According to Rai, the making, storing, selling, shipping online, and bursting of any kind of firecracker was also prohibited. Rai said that the Delhi-NCR police had been directed not to issue licenses for firecrackers.
It should be mentioned that several pleas have been filed challenging Delhi's blanket ban on firecrackers during the Diwali festivities. The top court stated that only punishing the ones who fired the crackers is not enough and authorities have to go to the source of these crackers. The Supreme Court made it clear in 2021 that the use of firecrackers was not entirely forbidden and that the only fireworks that were prohibited were those that included barium salts.
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