The Supreme Court issued directives on Tuesday (7 November 2023), urging Rajasthan and other states to adhere to its prior order concerning the use of firecrackers during festive seasons. The court emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to address the issue of pollution.
A bench comprising Justice AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh specifically instructed Rajasthan to take measures to minimize air pollution, particularly during festivals. The court’s attention was drawn to a plea related to the use of firecrackers in Rajasthan.
One of the advocates requested the court to reiterate compliance with its previous rulings. The advocate pointed out that the court’s prior orders applied to the Delhi National Capital Region and advocated for a nationwide ban on firecrackers.
The court emphasized that there is a misconception that environmental matters solely fall under the court’s purview. It stressed that it is the duty of every citizen to contribute to pollution control and promote eco-friendly Diwali celebrations with fewer fireworks.
The court also made an observation that, in recent times, more firecrackers are ignited by adults compared to schoolchildren. Furthermore, the court directed the state of Rajasthan to take immediate actions to mitigate pollution in Udaipur. Another lawyer informed the court about a separate application related to stubble burning.
The court has requested the Meteorology Department to provide its response within two weeks. It also noted that there is a tendency to engage in a blame game concerning the issue. Previously, on September 22, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking the production, sale, and use of firecrackers containing barium chemicals.
Moreover, it declined to intervene in the Delhi Government’s decision to enforce a complete ban on firecracker usage in the national capital. The Supreme Court’s focus has been on issues concerning firecrackers, including a petition filed by BJP leader Manoj Tiwari in 2022, challenging the comprehensive ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in Delhi. In 2021, the Supreme Court clarified that there is no blanket prohibition on firecracker usage and only fireworks containing barium salts are prohibited.
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