Supreme Court Order on 'No Religion Encourages Pollution' on Firecracker Ban

The apex court on Monday issued a stern directive to Delhi Police, demanding "immediate action" to halt the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi. This annual activity, violating a present ban, is still making the air of the city more poisonous even a week after Diwali.

Supreme Court Strict Action on Firecracker Ban 

While stressing urgency for action Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih said, No religion encourages any activity which causes pollution. Bursting firecrackers this way also affects citizens' fundamental right to health. The court said the Delhi government should decide by November 25 to implement a permanent ban on firecrackers. It said hazardous smog blanketing the city poses severe health risks. This is part of growing concern over Delhi's annual air quality crisis, where levels of pollution explode to hazardous heights following Diwali.

Today is a hearing following the chaos seen last week during which the Delhi government and police were issued notices after failing to enforce the firecracker ban effectively. The annual ban seems to have little impact since widespread reports indicate that the ban was merely ignored.

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The Delhi Police chief filed an affidavit claiming that efforts were made to curb sale of firecrackers after Diwali. The court wasn't amused; according to reports in the media, it did not work at all. "Did the police initiate effective measures to prevent sales of firecrackers from October 14?" the court asked. When the police claimed affirmative action was initiated, the court was unconvinced. Still, the court thought a tad strict enforcement was needed on public health safety.