“No religion promotes activities that cause pollution”: Supreme Court on cracker ban | Latest News India

The Supreme Court on Monday found that no religion promotes activities that can cause air pollution. The court has directed the Delhi government to comply with the demand for a permanent ban on crackers in the national capital by November 25.

“The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes activities that promote environmental pollution or endanger people’s health,” noted the bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih.

The court directed the Delhi Police to set up a special cell to enforce the ban on crackers and give the responsibility to the SHOs to implement the order issued by the Delhi government on October 14.

The court ordered the Commissioner of Delhi Police to file an affidavit by November 25 on whether ban notices have been served to all cracker manufacturers. The court also asked the police to provide details of measures taken to curb online sales of crackers.

The Supreme Court has also directed all states in the National Capital Region to inform it about the measures taken by them to control air pollution.

The Supreme Court observed that the Delhi Police did not take the order seriously.

“We direct the Delhi Police Commissioner to form a special cell to ensure effective implementation of the ban on firecrackers. We direct the Delhi Police Commissioner to file a personal affidavit documenting the steps taken by him to enforce the ban,” the bench added.

The top court wondered why the Delhi government delayed imposing the fireworks ban until October 14.

The air quality in the state capital was in the “very poor” category on Monday morning, and several parts of the city were covered by a thick layer of smog.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 349 at 9 am. However, at least two of the 39 weather stations in the city – Bawana and Jahangirpuri – reported “severe” air quality at 401 and 412, respectively.

With inputs from PTI