The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the alarming rise in pollution levels in Delhi.
The top court bench of Justice AS Oka highlighted the importance of the right to live in a pollution-free environment.
The bench noted: ‘The right to live in a pollution free environment is a fundamental right, and burning crackers violates the right to health.’
The bench also noted that no religion encourages activities that lead to pollution, and that the burning of crackers is harmful to public health.
SC instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to issue notices to all cracker license holders, enforcing a ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of crackers.
This comes as part of the top court’s directive to ensure that no crackers are sold, even online, in the national capital.
The Supreme Court grilled the Delhi government over the delayed action.
The Court suggested that this delay might have allowed people to acquire crackers for use during the period of the ban.
Bench also directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to take strict measures to ensure the implementation of the cracker ban until January 1.
The bench ordered to establish a special cell within the Delhi Police to monitor and enforce these measures.
It has given the government a deadline of November 25 to make a decision on whether to impose a year-round ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and bursting of crackers.
