Supreme Court Says Firecracker Ban Must Be Pan-India, Refuses Relaxation in Delhi NCR

The Supreme Court refused to relax the year-long ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), saying clean air is a right for all Indians, not just Delhi’s residents. 

While hearing pleas by firecracker manufacturers, the bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai questioned why a ban applies only to NCR when many other cities suffer worse pollution. 

The Court asks the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file a report and listed the matter for further hearing on September 22.