SC orders Rajasthan, UP, Haryana to ban firecrackers within a month, cites Delhi's compliance

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to impose a ban on firecrackers within a month, citing Delhi’s model as an example of compliance. The directive came during a hearing on a plea concerning worsening air pollution levels in the National Capital Region.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan instructed the states to issue necessary directions under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), which empowers authorities to take steps to control environmental pollution. Delhi had already submitted an affidavit detailing its full ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of firecrackers.

The Court also emphasized that the firecracker ban must be “scrupulously implemented” and accompanied by the establishment of a functional grievance redressal and complaint mechanism. This system, aimed at curbing violations such as illegal bursting of crackers, is to be set up within one month.

Additionally, the Supreme Court directed the states to carry out regular awareness campaigns, educating the public about the ban and associated penalties under the EPA. The goal, the bench said, was not just enforcement but public participation in maintaining clean air.

This move is part of ongoing judicial interventions to mitigate the region’s chronic air quality issues, particularly during festive seasons when cracker use peaks.