In a stern reprimand, the Supreme Court on Monday held Delhi authorities accountable for their failure to enforce the firecracker ban during Diwali. As pollution levels in the national capital continue to climb towards the alarming ‘severe’ mark, the court expressed deep concern over the blatant disregard for its directives.
The apex court, represented by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, took cognizance of newspaper reports indicating a complete lack of compliance with the government’s restrictions on firecracker use. The court’s observations were further reinforced by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Archana Pathak Dave, who highlighted the complete disregard for firecracker restrictions during this year’s Diwali festival.
The Supreme Court bench noted that firecrackers were being smuggled into Delhi from neighboring states, emphasizing the need for public awareness campaigns before Diwali to address the lack of understanding regarding the ban. The court issued a directive to the authorities, demanding a detailed response outlining the steps taken to implement the firecracker ban within a week’s time.
In a bid to address the multifaceted nature of the pollution crisis, the Supreme Court extended its scrutiny to neighboring states, questioning the Punjab and Haryana governments regarding the alarming rise in farm fire incidents during the last ten days of October.
The court expressed a firm resolve to address this ongoing issue, asserting the need for concrete measures to prevent the violation of court orders on firecracker bans during future Diwali celebrations.
Advocate HS Phoolka, representing the petitioners, informed the court that the hearing regarding the violation of the firecracker ban will resume on November 11. He emphasized the Supreme Court’s serious concern regarding the ineffective implementation of the firecracker ban. The court, cognizant of the gravity of the situation, issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding an affidavit outlining the reasons behind the failure to enforce the ban.
According to a report by Bar and Bench, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review the Diwali-related pollution issue again on November 14. This signifies the court’s commitment to addressing the long-standing environmental concerns associated with Diwali celebrations and ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for the national capital.
