In a significant ruling aimed at balancing tradition with public health, the Supreme Court of India has granted a temporary, conditional permission for bursting green crackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) during the Diwali festival. The apex court has strictly limited the activity to a specific four-day period and narrow time slots.
The order, announced by a bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai on Wednesday, allows the bursting of green crackers only from October 18 to October 21. Furthermore, the court has designated precise time windows for the practice: from 6 am to 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm in the evening.
This decision comes against the backdrop of a complete ban on all firecrackers imposed by the Delhi government on October 14, 2024, which was later expanded to cover the entire NCR. The Supreme Court's ruling effectively modifies this blanket ban, introducing a moderated approach for the festive period.
"We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment," Chief Justice Gavai remarked while announcing the order. The bench emphasized that the limited use of exclusively green firecrackers would be permitted, but not at the cost of environmental protection.
Stringent Measures to Ensure Compliance
To ensure that its directives are strictly followed, the Supreme Court has laid down a series of robust enforcement mechanisms:
QR Code Mandate: The Court has directed police authorities to form special patrolling teams. Their primary responsibility will be to ensure that only approved green firecrackers, identifiable by their QR codes, are sold and used in the region.
Ban on Outside Firecrackers: In a move to prevent the influx of illegal and polluting firecrackers, the Court has explicitly ruled that no firecrackers from outside the Delhi-NCR region will be permitted within the area.
Strict Action Against Violators: Sellers found dealing in fake or unauthorised firecrackers will face severe penalties. The Court has ordered the suspension of licences of any such vendors.
This calibrated order reflects the judiciary's ongoing effort to address the critical issue of air pollution, which typically plagues the Delhi-NCR region every winter, while simultaneously acknowledging cultural and religious sentiments associated with Diwali.
The decision places the onus on both the authorities to enforce the rules stringently and on the public to celebrate responsibly, adhering to the time restrictions and using only certified green crackers to ensure a safer and less polluted festive season for all.
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