Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court directs Centre to enforce firecracker restrictions in Delhi
India's Supreme Court has expressed concern over widespread violations of its firecracker sales ban in Delhi, directing the central government to ensure strict compliance with its order. The court flagged media reports indicating that both licensed and unlicensed crackers continue to be freely available in markets despite the restrictions.
LSN India ·
The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale on Tuesday took note of reports documenting the unrestricted sale of firecrackers across Delhi markets, despite an order limiting their use. The bench questioned Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati about the apparent non-compliance, noting that merchandise including licensed, unlicensed, and QR-coded products remained readily available in retail outlets.
"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 remarked during the hearing, referencing contemporary media coverage of the violation.
The court had previously permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region during restricted time slots on Diwali—from 6 to 7 am and 8 to 10 pm on November 7 and 8. While acknowledging that a complete ban would be ideal, the bench indicated it lacked sufficient data to impose such a blanket prohibition at this stage.
The development underscores persistent challenges in enforcing environmental and regulatory measures ahead of the festive season, with authorities now tasked with intensifying ground-level monitoring to prevent violations of the court-mandated restrictions.