NEW DELHI, Oct 28:
The Supreme Court today refused to impose a ban on crackers on Diwali after hearing a PIL filed by three Delhi toddlers which sought its intervention to ban the sale of firecrackers during the festival seasons and Diwali.
A two-judge division bench, comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice Arun Mishra, passed the order after hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by three toddlers — Arjun Gopal, Aarav Bhandari and Zoya Rao Bhasin — all aged between 6 and 14 months.
The Supreme Court, however, directed the Central government to publish pollution awareness advertisements from October 31 to November 12 in various media platforms so that the public would be aware of the adverse health issues related to use of firecrackers.
The Court passed the order after hearing a PIL filed on behalf of the three toddlers – seeking immediate steps to curb Delhi’s fatal air pollution including ban on fire crackers during Diwali. The Central government in its submission in the apex court had argued against a ban and cited a judgment of the Supreme Court in 2001 that allowed crackers from 0600 hrs to 1000 hrs.
Three Delhi toddlers have approached the Supreme Court seeking its intervention to ban the sale of firecrackers on the festival seasons and Diwali saying that a pollution free environment was their right.
In a petition filed through their parents, Arjun, Aarav and Zoya have approached the top court to take appropriate measures and stop the sale of firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals to ensure that air and noise pollution becomes lower in the national capital.
Appearing for the toddlers, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal claimed that the Delhi government had Rs 387 crore to combat pollution, but at least 87 per cent of the funds lie unused. The petition sought Supreme Court’s instructions on the sale of loud firecrackers and why authorities concerned have failed to take adequate measures.
“The right to breathe clean air is essential for a conducive environment for growth and development,” the petition stated underlining the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21 of Indian Constitution.
The petition also sought that the government widely publicise the steps or measures being actively taken, if any, in reducing pollution in Delhi, especially pollution caused by Particulate Matter of different vehicles. (UNI)
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