SC for suspension of cracker licences
NEWDELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday mulled directing the Centre to suspend and not renew licence to stock or sell fire crackers in the Capital, concerned over worsening air quality.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said it would go step-by-step as fire works have become a part of life and a reasonable order needs to be passed so that it can be enforced.
“Have some patience. It cannot be done overnight. We will do whatever is best for the country and Delhi. Any order passed by us will have to be reasonable so that it could be enforced,” the bench, also comprising justices AK Sikri and SA Bobde, said while reserving its order in the matter.
“If we ban fire crackers, then every cracker burst would be a breach of our order. We will consider all aspects and pass an interim order for a limited period,” the bench said when it was told that large amounts of fire crackers would be burnt in the upcoming wedding and festival season.
It said it was considering passing an order that no new licence will be granted and existing licences not renewed or could direct the Centre to pass an order suspending the existing licences in Delhi-NCR.
The bench said it will not pass any final order without going into reports on its impact on air quality, health and lifestyle.
“This is not a carpet bombing but a surgical strike. We will not pass any final order at this stage, but pass an interim order,” it said.
Equating fire crackers with “burning of money”, the apex court said one should think that when humans are affected so much with these fire crackers, what effect would it have it on animals like dogs which have more sensitive ear than humans.
“Fire crackers are not only used in Diwali. Nowadays, there are fire crackers even during cricket matches, festivals, weddings and anniversaries. People are least bothered about its imapct on the environment,”itsaid.