A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai said that citizens across the country are entitled to a clean air and that any ban on firecrackers should be applicable pan-India.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, to combat air pollution ahead of the winter season.
Speaking to reporters, Rai said, "The level of pollution increases every year in winter. We celebrate Diwali every year. This Diwali, we appeal to all Delhiites to help in curbing the pollution. Try not to burst crackers. There is an appeal especially to the youth to take a pledge to stop pollution in their city."
According to Gopal Rai, Environment Minister, continuing with the ban, the restrictions on crackers will continue this year to tackle increasing air pollution.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and AS Bopanna said its prime focus is the right to life of innocent citizens.
The decision has been made keeping Delhi traders in mind as last year the same announcement at the eleventh hour had left many sellers in confusion for they had already purchased huge stocks weeks ahead of the festival.
Reports of firecrackers being used despite the ban are also came in from cities like Kanpur where AQI was 750 on Sunday morning.
Earlier, people used to start bursting firecrackers a few days before Diwali. But this time, they burst crackers for a limited period, said Garg.
It is not often that the apex court holds a prima facie view without quite confirming it but that is…
The top court had on August 28 reserved its order on the plea for a countrywide ban on firecrackers to curb the deteriorating air pollution.
