Why firecracker ban not implemented during Diwali: SC to Delhi govt, police

Expressing deep concern over Delhi's high pollution levels during Diwali, the Supreme Court criticised the lack of adherence to its orders, stating that its ban on firecrackers was "barely enforced."

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih cited news reports indicating significant breaches of court directives and requested the Delhi government to consider a "permanent ban" on firecrackers in the capital.

The court directed the Delhi government and police to outline the measures taken to enforce the complete ban on the production, sale, and use of firecrackers, as well as the actions taken against those who violated these orders.

"We want the Delhi government to immediately respond as to why this has happened. We want all the orders to be placed on record banning the sale, manufacture and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi.

"We are also issuing notice to the Delhi police commissioner on the action police has taken so far against the violators and the steps it is taking to implement the orders of the court," the bench said.

It directed the Delhi government and police commissioner to file their responses within a week saying, "there cannot be any dispute that the orders of the court banning firecrackers were hardly implemented".

"Firecracker bursting was the major cause of pollution during Diwali and if the orders of the court are not implemented, it will be a chaotic situation," the bench told Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the Centre, and the counsel for Delhi government.