Supreme Court Urges Year-long Firecracker Ban for Clean Air

The Supreme Court emphasized that no religion supports polluting activities and directed the Delhi government to consider a year-round firecracker ban. The court criticized Delhi police for inadequate enforcement, urging improved implementation. Neighboring states were also asked to consider banning firecracker production and sale.

The Supreme Court has highlighted that no religion advocates for activities causing pollution, prompting a directive for the Delhi government to assess the possibility of extending the firecracker ban year-round.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih stressed that living in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court urged neighboring states to consider similar bans and criticized Delhi police for their insufficient enforcement.

The court instructed the Delhi police commissioner to establish a task force ensuring compliance with the ban and questioned the timing of the government's order, suggesting proactive enforcement measures were needed.

(With inputs from agencies.)