Supreme court bans firecrackers

Diwali is a time of great celebration and enthusiasm. Diwali was once a holiday of lights; but, in recent years, it has evolved into a celebration of crackers rather than lights. These days, Diwali festivities wouldn’t be the same without firecrackers, which briefly light up the sky but have a devastating effect on both the environment and human health.

The court has been meticulous over the years in addressing the health and environmental risks related to the use of firecrackers during celebrations and festivals.

Ban on Firecrackers: Evolution

It was amid Diwali, the celebration of the Festival of Lights, that the Supreme Court’s opinion on firecrackers first came to light. In an effort to mitigate dangerously high levels of pollution in the air during the festive season, it temporarily outlawed the distribution and sale of firecrackers in Delhi as well as the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2016. Although there were different views on this ruling, it was the start of a more thorough debate over firecracker regulations.

Why Should There Be a Ban on Firecrackers?

• Firecracker bursts cause a great deal of air pollution. Perhaps you witnessed the thick smoke clouds the day following Diwali. Well, crackers are the only other explanation for it. When firecrackers ignite, they release harmful air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, trioxygen, and black carbon, along with particles, which results in the formation of thick smoke clouds. This impacts the skin, heart, lungs, throat, and eyes.
• There is no denying that noisy firecracker explosions contribute to noise pollution. While it may not have as much of an impact on younger people, it becomes an absolute misery for our elderly and small children. Due to their sensitive hearing, both populations are known to be impacted by very loud noises. In addition to its uncomfortable effects, firecracker noise has actually been documented to induce hearing loss in certain situations.
• An immediate benefit of outlawing firecrackers is that fewer accidents involving fireworks occur. Mishandling fireworks results in hundreds of casualties each year, including burns, damage to the eyes, and even fatalities. By putting a stop to these occurrences, the limitations protect public health.
• Asthma as well as allergic bronchitis sufferers are particularly affected by the rising dust concentration. Their discharge of air pollutants causes the root cause of chronic respiratory disorders to worsen, which raises hospitalization rates and the need for treatment.
• As surprising as it may seem, firecrackers may also be a contributing factor in certain cancer cases. Radioactive and hazardous materials are added to firecrackers to produce colourful bursts. When these compounds contaminate the air, people’s risk of acquiring cancer increases.
• Bans on firecrackers shield vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of air pollution as well as loud noises caused by firecrackers, including children, elderly individuals, and individuals with pre-existing medical disorders. This makes the area safer and healthier during festival seasons.

Role of the Judiciary: Supreme Court

• In the case of Arjun Gopal v Union of India, Arjun Gopal, a child, with the help of his legal guardian filed a writ petition pleading for immediate action to reduce Delhi, the nation’s capital’s deadly pollution levels.
• The petitioners had demanded an outright prohibition on the use of explosives, sparklers, and firecrackers at festivals.
• The Supreme Court had made it apparent on Tuesday, the 7th of November 2023, that its earlier decisions outlawed the usage of barium and other prohibited substances in firecrackers; these rulings apply to all states, not just the region comprising Delhi and the National Capital Region.
• The Court clarified this during the hearing of a suit asking for instructions to the State of Rajasthan to follow the directives of the Apex Court regarding the prohibition of barium crackers and the reduction of noise and air pollution during the festive season.

The uproar surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision to ban firecrackers focuses on the best way to strike a balance between protecting the environment and traditional practices. It is important to find a middle ground. Preserving the environment and the general public’s health is just as vital as maintaining the spirit of festivals and celebrations. What happens to India’s celebrations in the near future will depend on how the nation strikes a balance between environmental concerns and tradition while debating the matter at hand. 

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