The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Delhi government on why its ban on firecrackers, aimed at curbing pollution, was widely flouted during Diwali celebrations.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih took note of media reports pointing to a complete disregard for the ban.
“We want Delhi government to immediately respond as to why this has happened. We will simultaneously issue notice to Delhi Police Commissioner as to why there is non-compliance,” the court remarked while hearing a plea concerning air pollution in the national capital.
The justices highlighted the limitations in enforcing the ban under the amended Air Prevention Act, 1981, which now includes only penalty provisions.
The court directed the Delhi government to submit an affidavit outlining measures taken to enforce the firecracker ban and combat pollution. This affidavit must also specify steps planned to prevent similar violations in future Diwali celebrations, including a public awareness campaign.
“There cannot be any dispute that ban on fire crackers was hardly implemented. The ban on fire crackers being non-complied is very well clear from the report which amicus cited, which is that this time pollution level was at all time high. Even report suggested farm fire was also at a high time rise,” the Court further observed in its order, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The Delhi government had banned the production, sale, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1, 2025, amid growing air quality concerns.
However, during Monday’s hearing, Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave acknowledged that the restrictions were largely ignored, contributing to record-high pollution levels post-Diwali.