Aishwarya Rathore-
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed appeals challenging the National Green Tribunal’s order banning the sale and use of all firecrackers in the NCR and other cities in India where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was poor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar and Sanjiv Khanna stated that authorities may permit the sale and usage of firecrackers based on the AQI category, and that the issue was addressed in the NGT’s order, and that no further clarification or discussion was required.
The Supreme Court directed, “Grievance was expressed that manufacturing activities will also be prohibited in the concerned area if the Air Quality falls. The impugned Order does not deal with that situation. If the situation is covered by general directions of the Supreme Court, it must be followed in letter and spirit. In other words, these appeals are devoid of merit and are dismissed.”
The Bench remarked, “The moment there is the poor quality of air, all activities should stop.”
The Bench proceeded to dismiss the appeal.
In December 2020, a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice AK Goel had directed for the prohibition in the use of firecrackers in areas wherein the AQI was poor in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It had further directed that only green crackers could be used during Christmas and New Year for a specified period of time.
District Magistrates had been directed to ensure that firecrackers that had been banned would not be sold and were given the authority to recover compensation in cases of violations.