Chief Justice B.R. Gavai of the Supreme Court expressed strong disagreement with the current firecracker ban being limited to Delhi-NCR on Friday. He asserted that the right to clean air is a right that belongs to every citizen of India, not just those in a specific region. The court’s position is that the ban on firecrackers should extend across the entire country, not be confined to a single city.
CJI’s Reasoning: Beyond Delhi’s Boundaries
The CJI questioned the rationale of having separate rules for Delhi, stating, “We cannot have distinct rules for Delhi simply because it is home to wealthier individuals. If the cities in NCR have the right to clean air, why should other cities be denied the same?” He referenced the case of Amritsar, Punjab, where pollution during winter months often surpasses Delhi’s levels. The court’s view is that any policy decisions regarding such matters should be implemented nationwide.
The Issue of Laborers’ Livelihoods
Firecracker traders raised concerns with the court, highlighting that the ban could jeopardize the livelihoods of numerous families. The CJI acknowledged the impact on impoverished laborers, while also stressing that a solution to the pollution problem must be addressed at a national level. The court has requested a response from the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) regarding this issue.