Diwali Spirit vs Pollution: SC Warns Firecrackers Defeat Purpose of Festival
The Supreme Court warns that firecracker bursting during Diwali defeats the festival's spirit and poses severe health risks to vulnerable citizens.
In a significant observation regarding the balance between faith and ecology, the Supreme Court has stated that firecracker bursting during Diwali celebrations defeats the very spirit of the festival by degrading the environment and creating severe health hazards for all living beings.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale emphasized that environmental protection is not separate from religious practice but is, in fact, integral to it. The court noted that allowing pollution to spike during festivities contradicts the essence of the celebration.
Ancient Wisdom vs Modern Pollution
The apex court drew upon ancient Indian philosophy to highlight the disconnect between traditional values and current practices. The bench observed that thinkers of Ancient India viewed the environment as an inseparable part of religion, treating all living beings as one.
According to the court, natural elements—air, water, fire, earth, and sky—were traditionally worshipped as deities. The bench remarked that any religious practice or festival should ideally facilitate this "heightened thinking" and reverence for life in all its forms.
The Evolution of Diwali Traditions
While acknowledging the deep religious, social, and emotional importance of Diwali as a global celebration of joy and prosperity, the court pointed out a historical shift in how the festival is observed:
- Traditional Roots: The court cited scriptures like the ‘Skandapurana’ and ‘Padmapurana’, which refer to the ritual use of lamps (diyas).
- The Shift: The introduction of gunpowder in India centuries ago changed the celebration, leading to the widespread practice of bursting firecrackers.
The Invisible Danger: PM Particles
The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the environmental toll of firecrackers, specifically air and noise pollution and the accumulation of solid waste. The court highlighted a particularly dangerous aspect of pollution: Particulate Matter (PM).
The bench explained that these microscopic particles persist in the atmosphere for days after Diwali. Because they are so tiny, the human body is unable to filter them out upon inhalation, allowing them to enter the bloodstream and cause substantial internal damage.
Who is most at risk?
The court identified specific groups as being particularly vulnerable to these toxic effects:
- Children
- The elderly
- Persons with disabilities
The Delhi-NCR Challenge
The court noted that the Delhi-NCR region faces a unique geographical struggle. Low wind speeds prevent the free movement of air, and "temperature inversion" during the winter months traps pollutants close to the ground, severely aggravating the air quality crisis.
Referencing judicial interventions since 2018, the court reiterated that while the significance of Diwali is recognized, it cannot come at the expense of public health.
The Regulated Approach: Green Crackers
To balance celebration with safety, the Supreme Court adopted a strictly regulated approach for the current period:
- Sale: Only certified green crackers are permitted for sale between November 4 and November 6.
- Bursting Windows: The bursting of these approved green crackers is allowed only on November 7 and 8, during two specific windows: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
- Total Ban: A complete ban on all firecrackers will be restored starting November 9.