Supreme Court Considers Lifting Ban on Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR
In a significant development ahead of the Diwali festival, the Supreme Court of India indicated that it may temporarily lift the absolute ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for five days. The move marks a potential shift in the Court’s stance on the issue, which has been at the center of debates over environmental protection, public health, and cultural practices. A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran reserved its order on Friday, stating that it will decide soon on relaxing the restrictions that have been in place for several years due to concerns over air pollution. Background: The Ban and Its Implications The ban on the use and sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR has been a recurring measure during Diwali, primarily due to the severe air quality deterioration that occurs around this period. The situation is often exacerbated by stubble burning in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana, as well as stagnant weather conditions that trap ...