New Delhi:  After Delhi residents defied the cracker ban and celebrated Diwali with fireworks, resulting in heavy smog and dangerous air quality levels, the Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Delhi Police and Delhi government for their weak enforcement of the ban, noting they only seized raw materials without taking adequate action.

Never Ending Ban on Firecrackers

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to immediately inform all stakeholders of the ban order and ensure there’s no sale or manufacture of crackers in the capital.

“We direct the Delhi Police Commissioner to form a special cell to ensure effective implementation of the firecracker ban,” the court said, further instructing the commissioner to submit a personal affidavit detailing the steps taken to enforce the ban.

SC Ask Delhi Government Regarding Delayed Ban

The Supreme Court questioned why the Delhi government delayed the ban until October 14, despite the order being in place.

“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 any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people,” the bench noted.

The court also asked the Delhi government to decide by November 25 on enforcing a permanent ban on firecrackers, after consulting with relevant stakeholders. 

(With Inputs from PTI)