India

SC Rebukes Delhi Authorities Over Rising Pollution, Seeks Answers On Firecracker Among Others

The Supreme Court expressed deep concern on Saturday over rising pollution levels in Delhi and criticized authorities for failing to address environmental hazards linked to stubble burning and firecracker use.

The court issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding an explanation within a week for widespread violations of the firecracker ban, with a hearing scheduled for November 14.

Key Takeaways

In addition, the court reviewed a funding proposal from the Punjab government aimed at addressing stubble burning. The court directed the Central Government to decide on the proposal within a week and to provide a clear rationale if it rejected the plan.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Justice AS Oka questioned representatives of the Delhi government and police about their failure to enforce the firecracker ban fully. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG), representing the Center, admitted that violations occurred, prompting Justice Oka to demand immediate accountability. He noted that current pollution regulations under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981, have limited punitive measures, suggesting that sealing the premises of those selling banned firecrackers might be necessary.

Also Read: EC Announces New Dates For By-Polls In Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, & Punjab

Amicus Curiae provided a report indicating a significant increase in pollution on Diwali, with air quality worsening by 10% to 27% in Delhi. In response, the Supreme Court ordered the Delhi government to submit an affidavit explaining why it did not impose a complete ban on firecrackers. The court also issued notices to the Delhi Police Commissioner and to Punjab and Haryana, instructing them to report the number of recent stubble-burning incidents within 10 days.

Justice Oka emphasized that people smuggled firecrackers into Delhi from other states, calling for a comprehensive public awareness campaign before next year’s Diwali to educate the public about the impacts of pollution. Both the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner must submit their responses within the week.

This year, pollution levels on Diwali night exceeded those of previous years, despite the court’s ongoing efforts to address the issue, the Amicus Curiae noted.

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

Hina Khan Hails 11 Years Of PM Modi’s Leadership; Highlights National Progress

As the nation marks 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, actress Hina Khan shares her…

3 hours ago

Subhash Ghai Hails PM Modi’s Transformative Vision For India

Subhash Ghai has praised PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for catalysing India’s growth and changing the…

3 hours ago

India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian nations have agreed to deepen cooperation on rare earths and…

4 hours ago

PM Modi’s Beej Se Bazaar Tak Vision Reshapes Indian Agriculture

Prime Minister Modi has redefined Indian agriculture with the ‘Beej Se Bazaar Tak’ vision, transforming…

4 hours ago

EV Sales Cross 4% Mark In May; Signalling Steady Shift To Green Mobility

EV sales topped 4% of passenger vehicle retail in May 2025, signalling growing demand for…

5 hours ago

Self-Reliant Defence Industry Marks India’s Strategic Security Ascent

One year into Modi 3.0, reforms have reduced poverty, strengthened defence, and accelerated the digital…

5 hours ago