Celebrate, but not at the cost of the environment, says Supreme Court

Days before Deepavali celebrations, the Supreme Court clarified on Tuesday that its orders to minimise air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers bind States across the country and not just Delhi National Capital Region. “Celebrations can take place, but with some moderation. One can bring happiness to others with celebrations, but not at the cost of the environment,” Justice M.M. Sundresh, on the Bench, said. The court was hearing an application highlighting a spike in pollution in Rajasthan despite restrictive orders passed by the Supreme Court.

Days before Deepavali celebrations, the Supreme Court clarified on Tuesday that its orders to minimise air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers bind States across the country and not just Delhi National Capital Region.

“Celebrations can take place, but with some moderation. One can bring happiness to others with celebrations, but not at the cost of the environment,” Justice M.M. Sundresh, on the Bench, said.

Justice A.S. Bopanna said adults tended to behave worse than children, bursting crackers galore, with no thought of the pollution and discomfort caused by them.

“Due to awareness spread in school, children do not burst crackers much. It is the adults who do it.,” Justice Bopanna remarked. He said people easily dodge time restrictions imposed for bursting crackers.

“If we give a 10.30 p.m. limit, they will burst their entire stock of crackers by 10 p.m. All they think of is finishing their stock of crackers,” Justice Bopanna said.

Justice Sundresh said the impetus should be on sensitising people. “We live on hope,” the judge remarked.

The court was hearing an application highlighting a spike in pollution in Rajasthan despite restrictive orders passed by the Supreme Court.