4 hrs ago
Supreme Court Weighs Balanced Firecracker Curbs for Dussehra, Diwali
The Supreme Court is deciding how people may use firecrackers during Dussehra and Diwali.
The judges said they do not want to ban all crackers.
They also said people should not be allowed to burst crackers all day and night.
Loud noise and pollution can affect older people, sick people, children and animals.
Firecracker makers asked the court to change rules made in 2018.
Those rules were created because of pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR.
The court asked the government to help create crackers that are better for the environment.
The judges will consider the issue again on October 15.
The Supreme Court indicated it would reject both a total firecracker ban and unrestricted 24-hour use.
The bench cited potential effects on older people, sick people, children and other living beings.
Firecracker manufacturers asked the court to modify its 2018 Delhi-NCR restrictions imposed over pollution concerns.
The court asked the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board to develop environment-friendly crackers.
The matter will be heard again on October 15, when proposed restrictions and conditions are expected.
- Who
- The Supreme Court bench, firecracker manufacturers, the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board.
- What
- The court is considering restrictions and conditions on the manufacture and use of firecrackers.
- Where
- The restrictions concern Delhi-NCR, while the proposed use discussed includes Dussehra and Diwali celebrations.
- When
- The court discussed the matter on Wednesday and scheduled the next hearing for October 15.
- Why
- The court is addressing pollution and the effects of firecracker use on older people, sick people, children and other living beings.
Stricter Controls
Broader Firecracker Use
Extent of restrictions
Stricter Controls
A total ban would address concerns about pollution and the effects of fireworks on people and other living beings.
Broader Firecracker Use
Firecracker manufacturers are seeking changes to the existing restrictions, while unrestricted use would preserve broader celebration practices.
Court’s proposed approach
Stricter Controls
The court stressed that continuous firecracker use could harm older people, sick people, children and other living beings.
Broader Firecracker Use
The court also said a total ban could have sentimental effects, indicating that some regulated use may continue.
Key facts
- Court position
- The bench indicated it would pursue neither a total ban nor unrestricted 24-hour firecracker use.
- Earlier ruling
- A 2018 Supreme Court judgment imposed firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR over pollution concerns.
- Applicants
- Firecracker manufacturers filed applications seeking modifications to the 2018 judgment.
- Environment-friendly crackers
- The Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board were asked to develop environment-friendly crackers.
- Next hearing
- The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 15.
- Expected submissions
- The Centre is expected to submit proposed restrictions and conditions on firecracker use and manufacture.
Quotes
Justice M.M. Sundresh
Supreme Court judge who addressed counsels during the hearing
“Neither are we going to agree with you for a total ban, nor are we going to allow them to burst crackers for 24 hours…. A total ban will have some sentimental effect and… allowing them to burst throughout the day will have a huge impact on every other living being, including the old people, sick people and children”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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