Firecrackers ban: Firecracker Association challenges SC order

The Firecracker Association on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court, challenging its earlier order of banning firecrackers in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR).

A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Tirath Singh Thakur and comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and L. Nageshwar Rao is likely to hear the matter next week.

After several petitions being filed by various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) due to thick smog engulfing Delhi-NCR just after Diwali for around 10 days, the apex court had on November 25 pronounced its verdict banning the sale of firecrackers in the region.

The Supreme Court is also mulling on the decision of imposing a national ban on manufacture of fireworks. In tune with the same, the apex court has given three months to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file a report regarding "composition and content" of fireworks.

The thick smog, formed by burning of firecrackers and emissions from other sources, enveloped the entire region to the extent of raising the level of air pollution 16 times than what is considered safe by the Indian Government.

Last year, the plea regarding the same was rejected by the court with the view that the sudden ban would restrict citizens' rights.