How to use fireworks even after the ban? SC asked questions to Delhi Police and government, sought answer within a week

New Delhi: On the huge increase in pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court has asked the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Delhi Government to inform the court about what steps they have taken to implement the ban on firecrackers. Also file an affidavit and tell what is the proposal regarding the complete implementation of the ban on firecrackers next year. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice AS Oka cited the news published in the newspaper and said that the court order to ban firecrackers has been violated. The court said that what action was taken against those violating the ban on firecrackers should also be informed.

Court asked for answer within a week

The Supreme Court has asked the Delhi government and police to file their reply in this matter within a week. During the hearing of the case, citing the report of the Center for Science and Environment, the Supreme Court has said that the Diwali of 2024 was hotter as compared to 2022 and 2023. During this time, the Supreme Court has asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to file a reply on the increase in the incidents of stubble burning in the last 10 days of October. The Supreme Court has asked the governments to file their replies by November 14. The Supreme Court has said that strict action should be taken like sealing the premises of those who violate the ban on firecrackers.

The ban on firecrackers was not implemented

The Supreme Court has said that there is no doubt that the ban was not fully implemented. It is clear from the CSE report that the order to ban firecrackers has not been implemented. Due to this, pollution has increased a lot this year on Diwali in the capital Delhi. This is much higher than 2022 and 2023. There has also been a significant increase in the incidents of stubble burning during Diwali. The bench led by Justice Oka is hearing the petition filed by MC Mehta regarding air pollution in Delhi and NCR. Pollution is happening in Delhi due to reasons like firecrackers, vehicles, stubble burning.

Questions should also be asked to Delhi government

The Supreme Court has said that we direct the Delhi government to tell what steps it should take to ban firecrackers. We also issue a notice to the Police Commissioner and direct him/her to file an affidavit detailing what steps have been taken to implement the order to ban firecrackers. Delhi Police and Police Commissioner should also tell what kind of steps are proposed to ensure complete implementation of the order to ban firecrackers next year. This should also include awareness among the people.

What happened to the order to ban firecrackers?

During the hearing on Monday, Justice Oka said that he/she will propose to ban firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali as well as other festivals next year. But first we want to see what is happening on this ban order. Justice Oka said that the order to ban firecrackers has not been implemented and due to this the level of air pollution has increased significantly during Diwali. Justice Oka said that we want there to be a mechanism next year so that this does not happen again. We would like to tell what the problem is. The provision of Air Pollution Act has been changed and removed by the Government of India. Now there is only a provision for fine. But we would like to see how the ban is implemented. Can the premises of those who are selling firecrackers be sealed? Something has to be done. People are also bringing firecrackers from other states. People will also have to be made aware during Diwali.

Citing the CSE report in the Supreme Court, Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh said that a 30 percent increase in air pollution was recorded on the day of Diwali. Also, the incidents of stubble burning have increased during this period. The Supreme Court has asked the Delhi government and Delhi Police to file an affidavit within a week and has fixed November 14 for the next hearing.