Supreme Court demands Delhi Police explain lapses in Diwali firecracker ban enforcement: Senior Advocate HS Phoolka

New Delhi [India], November 4 (ANI): Senior Advocate HS Phoolka on Monday highlighted the Supreme Court's recent intervention in Delhi's air pollution crisis, especially regarding the enforcement of the firecracker ban during Diwali. According to Phoolka, the apex court expressed concern over the lack of action and issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding an affidavit explaining why the ban wasn't enforced.
'The matter of air pollution in Delhi was listed in the Supreme Court today, and the court has taken very serious notice of this. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Police Commissioner to file an affidavit and explain why this ban has not been enforced," Phoolka told ANI. The Senior advocate added that the apex court might consider implementing a complete yearly ban on firecrackers.
Phoolka also shared a personal incident, recounting how a large group of people gathered outside his daughter's residence in Hauz Khas and continued bursting firecrackers for hours, despite the police being unable to stop them. Phoolka added, "The Supreme Court said that now the offence of firecrackers is payable. They say we will consider giving more power to the police to enforce this ban on firecrackers."
Speaking to ANI, Phoolka also mentioned that the issue of farm fires was addressed in the hearing, with the Supreme Court directing the Central government to respond to Punjab's plea for funds to combat crop burning. Punjab had previously requested Rs 1,200 crore to support measures against stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi during winter. The Central government has been asked to decide on the funds by November 11, the next date for the court hearing.
With the Supreme Court's intervention, Phoolka expressed optimism that the steps taken would help improve Delhi's air quality. "It is quite hopeful that due to the intervention of the Supreme Court, the Delhi air probably will improve and the children of Delhi and the people of Delhi will get to at least breathe in unpolluted, pure air," he said. (ANI)