The Supreme Court of India has made a far-reaching clarification by extending its 2021 order, which permitted the use of only environmentally friendly “green” firecrackers, to cover the entire nation, transcending its previous jurisdiction limited to the Delhi-NCR region. The decision is aimed at curbing pollution caused by firecrackers and protecting the environment on a national scale.
During the hearing, the bench, comprising Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh, observed a shift in firecracker use trends, noting that “these days,” it is the adults who predominantly engage in bursting fireworks. The court stressed that safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility for all citizens.
The court’s ruling came in response to a petition urging the Rajasthan government to adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the prohibition of firecrackers containing barium salts and other polluting chemicals. These directives are intended to address air and noise pollution concerns, especially during festive seasons.
In its 2021 judgment, the Supreme Court had explicitly prohibited firecrackers that include barium salts, and it warned that top officials at various administrative levels would be held personally accountable for any violations. The court had also previously established specific time slots for bursting firecrackers, allowing them between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali and between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am for New Year and Christmas celebrations.
The bench stated during the recent hearing, “At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary as this court has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimize and avoid air, as well as noise, pollution. The orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan.”
The court reinforced that it is the duty of every citizen to reduce the use of firecrackers during festive occasions, highlighting the changing dynamics where adults are now the primary participants in bursting fireworks, not children. The court also dispelled the notion that combating pollution and preserving the environment is solely the responsibility of the judiciary. It emphasized that these concerns should be the duty of every citizen.
This significant ruling coincides with a broader national effort to combat pollution and protect public health. In a separate hearing earlier in the day, the Supreme Court addressed the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, characterizing it as detrimental to public health and urging that the issue should not become a political battle.
Sources By Agencies
