New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to intervene in the Delhi government’s decision to enforce a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and detonation of firecrackers within the capital city.
BJP Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari told a bench of Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh that despite the court’s permission for the use of environmentally friendly firecrackers, a comprehensive ban on all firecrackers had been imposed.
In response, the bench firmly stated, “We won’t intervene. When the government imposes a ban on firecrackers, it’s a comprehensive prohibition. The well-being of the people is paramount. If individuals wish to use firecrackers, they should consider doing so in states without such bans.”
Tiwari’s counsel argued that his client, as an MP, was responsible for his constituents and highlighted the court’s approval of green firecrackers.
“You should educate the public about refraining from using firecrackers. You should also refrain from using firecrackers during victory processions after elections. There exist alternative methods for celebrating your victory,” the bench firmly told Tiwari, who represents North East Delhi in Parliament.
To address the high pollution levels during winter months, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a comprehensive prohibition on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the national capital on September 11.
This wide-ranging directive, which also includes a ban on the online sale of firecrackers, comes just before the festival season. Similar blanket bans have been imposed during the past two years, but there have been reports of firecrackers being used during Diwali celebrations despite the bans.