A Basket of Mixed Concerns : Supreme Court’s Latest Hearing Throws Up Contrasting Observations

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday proposed using celebrities, such as the cricketer Virat Kohli, for awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the air pollution caused by firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR area. The court emphasized the importance of adopting a balanced approach that takes into account religious feelings while also protecting public health.

The bench consisting of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale stated that a general ban on firecrackers could have wider consequences and expressed concern about the continuous violation of its orders, as well as questioning the effectiveness of the present enforcement mechanisms.

As reported, the bench advised the government to approach well-known public figures and sports personalities in order to get people to celebrate the festivals responsibly.

The bench remarked in this connection, as reported by Verdictum, that it is impossible to make use of the services of prominent individuals in order to draw public attention, for example, athletes or other people who enjoy high respect.

The court gave Virat Kohli as an example of a well-known figure who could be approached in order to promote the idea of responsible celebrations.

Judges Stressed That It Would Not be Sufficient Simply to Pass Orders 

At the hearing the bench raised concern about the fact that its instructions regarding the restriction of firecrackers were often violated. The judges stressed that it would not be sufficient simply to pass orders unless the authorities made sure that those orders were effectively carried out on the ground.

The court asked for information concerning the enforcement actions carried out by the authorities, such as those taken against people who violated the rules and those who were involved in the sale of prohibited firecrackers.

It also demanded that greater accountability should be shown by the authorities who are in charge of carrying out the restrictions, stressing the importance of having a mechanism which could achieve real results.

The bench stated that it was not going to impose a full ban on firecrackers but warned that if violations continued it might be forced to take a more stringent approach and also kept its decision on the issue.

A mix of Concerns Stresses Supreme Court 

The hearing is taking place at a time when there are still serious concerns regarding the worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR area, especially during the festive season, since firecracker emissions can contribute to the region's pollution.

The court recognised the cultural and religious importance of Diwali but stressed the need to find practical methods of reducing the environmental and health effects of using firecrackers.

"Public Awareness a better way " says Supreme Court 

Instead of depending only on restrictive orders, the bench pointed out that public awareness could be used to promote voluntary compliance, especially among younger people.

Using celebrities and sports figures might help in getting across to a broader audience the health risks associated with firecrackers, and their public influence could also prompt people to choose less polluting methods of celebrating.

Yet awareness campaigns by themselves might not be enough; effective enforcement of measures against the illegal sale and use of banned firecrackers is still necessary if compliance with the law is to be guaranteed.

When the Supreme Court is thinking about what to do next, the main problem is still to achieve a workable balance between the festive celebrations, religious feelings and the right to have cleaner air.