SC refuses to lift ban on firecrackers in National Capital Region

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift a blanket ban order on the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region citing grave air quality in Delhi.

A bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Prafulla C. Pant rejected the plea of over 100 crackers manufacturers to lift the ban. The court in November last had slapped the ban on a petition filed by three infants of Delhi through their parents on the ground that the air quality level during Diwali due to bursting of fire crackers is affecting their right to life.

The court had directed the Centre not to renew the licences for storing and sale of fire crackers and said no fresh licenses will be given to them. The court asked the Central Pollution Control to submit a report in three months whether the materials used in the manufacture of crackers are carcinogenic causing cancer. It said that based on the report, if the court finds that the materials cause cancer, then it can consider imposing certain restrictions on manufacture of crackers.

During the resumed hearing, it was brought to the notice of the bench that the CPCB was yet to submit its report and it will take another three weeks to finalise the report.

Taking note of this submission, the bench refused to lift the ban or modify its earlier order and directed listing the matter after three weeks. The children in their petition claimed that the smog caused by firecrackers post Diwali celebrations were choking their right to live. The petition highlighted the disdain shown by people to the affected ones as the pollution graph climbs without cease. These three toddlers wanted a clean and healthy environment contending that the right to breathe clean air is essential for their growth. They said, “Delhi has been the most polluted city in the world for over 18 months and health related illnesses primarily target the youngest of its citizens.”