Delhi Firecracker Sales: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the centre to intervene in the alleged selling of illegal firecrackers in Delhi. While citing a media report, the apex court highlighted that the restricted firecrackers are being sold, further asking the authorities to take strict action. The court also pointed out that while bursting green firecrackers have been allowed in a restricted timeframe in the capital city, but some traders have violated the guidelines.
What Did Supreme Court Say?
While citing the photographs published in a newspaper, a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to look into the matter. The bench pointed out that all kinds of firecrackers were being sold openly in the markets, adding that this was clear violation of the previous orders.
"In today's report on Hindustan Times there's a photograph... they say that notwithstanding yesterday's order, now everything is available in the shops. Please look into it," the bench said. "They say that in the market every other cracker, licensed, unlicensed, QR code, or no QR code, everything is available. Please take a note of it," Justice Sundresh added, reported news agency PTI.
Court's Previous Order
Earlier in its previous order, the apex court allowed the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from 6 to 7 am and from 8 to 10 pm on November 7 and 8, on the occasion of Diwali. However, it maintained that the residents must not burst firecrackers near hospitals and certain sensitive sites.
"The court is short of adequate data to decide whether or not a complete ban would be the best solution to solve the problem of environmental pollution, caused by bursting firecrackers," the court said in its October 29 order which was later made available for public on Monday.
Delhi Air Pollution
The residents of Delhi and its nearby regions face several inconveniences and health concerns due to air pollution in the winters, especially due to the stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers.