SC refuses to interfere with Delhi govt’s firecracker ban

“Locally, if there is a problem, if it is banned, then it is banned… If a government feels it is to be banned, it is banned, that’s all…,” the bench said, rejecting the plea filed by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.

Appearing for Tiwari, Advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha pointed out that even the SC had said there cannot be an absolute ban and that green crackers can be allowed. He added that many other states were also following suit and banning bursting of firecrackers.

The bench then said they should move the respective High Courts to seek redressal.

Justice Bopanna also said, “If you feel like bursting crackers, go to a state where it is allowed.”

The counsel said there were other occasions when firecrackers were allowed like to celebrate an election victory.

But the court said, “You can find other ways to celebrate… do something for the people. You should be telling your supporters not to do it.”

On Monday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said at a press conference, “… this winter, the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of all types of firecrackers will remain banned in Delhi.” Licences will not be issued by Delhi police for the sale, storage, or manufacture of firecrackers, he said while requesting other states in the NCR to not issue licences for firecrackers.

Rai had said there was a fall in pollution levels in Delhi this year. “PM 10 levels have fallen by 42% from 2014 to 2023, while PM 2.5 levels have fallen by 46% over this period. But considering the impact on health, this situation is still not favourable, particularly in winter,” he said.

The BJP had opposed the ban and threw its weight behind allowing green crackers. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri had said: “While it may be justified to ban crackers that exacerbate pollution, green crackers, which do not harm the environment in any way, should not face restrictions. Diwali falls on November 12, the government should allow their use for a specific period on that day.”