Supreme Court questions link between religion and firecrackers in Delhi pollution hearing

The Supreme Court has questioned the connection between religious practice and the bursting of firecrackers, while reassuring citizens that religious sentiments will be fully respected as authorities manage air quality in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. Hearing a matter on pollution in the national capital region, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana examined effective measures to balance festive celebrations with public health.

During the proceedings, Justice Bagchi asked what religion had to do with firecrackers. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae, pointed out that arguments framing firecrackers as a religious necessity are repeatedly raised ahead of the festive season. She told the court that divine figures would be aghast to learn that children were suffering respiratory illness in their name, adding that short time windows for bursting fireworks often prove difficult to enforce effectively on the ground.

Protecting sentiments through public awareness

Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasised that the court would not hurt religious sentiments, observing that civic awareness and voluntary restraint offer the most sustainable path forward. The Chief Justice noted that restrictive orders are frequently viewed as coercive by the public. Instead, the court advocated for bringing about a constructive awakening by educating citizens on which crackers cause harm, encouraging traditional lamp lighting, and persuading communities towards safer choices.

The Chief Justice suggested that authorities could issue public appeals encouraging minimal firecracker use during specified hours, alongside administrative measures to ensure that highly polluting varieties are kept off the market. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that Delhi had previously allowed firecracker use over a two-day period within designated time slots. Appearing for a federation of firework traders, Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak outlined the regulatory measures currently governing the sector.

Next steps and CAQM review

Justice Bagchi highlighted that the core technical concern remains assessing pollution levels if specific quantities of firecrackers are burst over a given period. To protect the health of vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, the court asked stakeholders to place concrete recommendations before the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The bench reasserted that fostering civic responsibility through proactive outreach will secure healthy environmental outcomes while preserving the spirit of national celebrations. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for October 15.