"No religion promotes any activity that creates pollution" : Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court said that no religion promotes any activity that creates pollution. The Supreme Court also inquired as to why there was no nationwide ban on crackers. The court's reference was while considering the case related to pollution in Delhi. The court also asked why fireworks are restricted only in specific months in Delhi, which faces severe air pollution throughout the year.

A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih said that uncontrolled bursting of firecrackers also affects the fundamental right of citizens to be healthy,  clarified.

Restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi only at specific times? 
Why is the ban not enforced throughout the year? 
Why ban on manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers only between October and January? 
Air pollution is felt throughout the year. Then why the restriction only in a few months?...asked the court.

The court slammed the Delhi government and police for failing to enforce the existing ban on firecrackers. Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhatti told the court that attention is being paid to the existing control order in Delhi during festivals and during months when pollution is severe. But the bench, not satisfied with the solicitor's argument, proposed a permanent injunction.

The court also scrutinized the order issued by the Delhi government on October 14, banning the manufacture and sale of firecrackers and granting exemptions for events such as marriages and elections. The court asked whether the government order said that firecrackers can be burst at weddings and elections and who is enforcing it. The court said that no license should be issued for the sale of firecrackers unless there is a total ban and directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure that there is no manufacture and sale.

Before November 25, the court also directed to consider the issue of a complete ban on firecrackers for a year. The bench also said that if anyone considers bursting of crackers as a fundamental right, they should approach the court.