SC to pronounce verdict today on nationwide ban on firecrackers

A Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan will pronounce the verdict on the plea seeking a nationwide ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers in the country on Tuesday at 10:30 AM . This plea has been filed to curb the increasing pollution in the country with the use of firecrackers.

The apex court had reserved the order on the plea on August 28 after hearing the petitioners, firecrackers manufacturers, the Centre and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

SC’s decision on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers is likely to affect both the producers, who are trying to earn a livelihood, and the citizens, who want to live in a clean and pollution-free environment. The top court had earlier, stated that the Article 21 (right to life) of Constitution applies to both segments of people (citizens and manufacturers) and thus, there is a need to strike a balance between the two, while considering a countrywide ban on firecrackers.

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While the firecrackers manufacturers asserted to the Supreme court that it should not put a complete ban on the use of firecrackers, instead should regulate to control pollution, they also alleged that the firecrackers cannot be the only reason for the increase in pollution. There can be many other reasons which contribute to pollution. Keeping this in mind, the apex court demanded the centre to suggest appropriate measures to put a control on the increasing pollution.

In 2017, ahead of Diwali, the top court had put a temporary ban on the sale of firecrackers to put a check on the level of pollution. While the manufacturers filed a plea in the court to sell the firecrackers for few days to earn some livelihood during Diwali, the apex court dismissed it, maintaining its verdict.

Meanwhile, according to recent reports, Indian has entered the list of world's most polluted cities, fighting the battle with pollution at an alarming rate. Due to the burning of crops during this season and increasing use of fireworks, air pollution is reaching hazardous levels in the country.

(With inputs from PTI)