Air quality ‘poor’, Supreme Court slams Delhi Police for not imposing cracker ban | Latest News India

Terming it a mere “eyewash”, the Supreme Court strongly condemned the Delhi Police for failing to fully implement the ban on fireworks in the national capital and only confiscating raw materials.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, therefore, directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to immediately inform all concerned parties about the prohibitory order and ensure that no sale and manufacture of crackers takes place.

Also read: “No religion promotes activities that cause pollution”: Supreme Court on cracker ban

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

Also read: The Supreme Court questions the process of approving tree felling in Delhi

The top court wondered why the Delhi government delayed imposing the ban on firecrackers until October 14, when the ban order was passed.

Also read: Setback for Prajwal Revanna: Supreme Court rejects former MP’s bail plea in rape case

“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 the health of people,” the bench observed.

The top court also asked the Delhi government to decide on a “permanent” ban on fireworks after consulting stakeholders before November 25.