Supreme Court Issues Notice on Plea for Banning Firecrackers During Dussehra, Diwali

Three toddlers including six-month-old Arjun Gopal and Aarav Bhandari and 14-month-old Zoya Rao Bhasin have told the Supreme court that their lungs are not yet fully developed and the large-scale bursting of firecrackers during Dussehra and Diwali would further aggravate the already polluted air and will be seriously detrimental to their health. These three toddlers have moved the court through their lawyer fathers. The Supreme Court has sought response from the central and Delhi governments on this plea seeking ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers during the festive season as this further aggravates the already dangerous level of air pollution. Besides the governments, a notice has also been issued to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB) and Delhi Police on a petition by three toddlers.

Addressing a bench of Chief Justice H.L.Dattu, Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel; senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the three petitioners, said, "The issues involved required immediate and long term solutions. 40% of the children suffer from some kind of respiratory problem."

As the court gave the governments, the pollution control agencies and Delhi Police one week's time to respond to the notice, Sibal said, "Let Delhi government come forward with a scheme to address the situation for a short term relief. We are all very concerned for the children of this country and their future."

Appearing for another toddler petitioner, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "The Delhi government has collected Rs. 387 crore for dealing with ever-increasing pollution but 87% of this amount remains unspent."

Source-IANS