Judicial Orders and Firecrackers: Rethinking the Constitutional Response to Pollution
The months of October and November mark the celebration of Dussehra and Diwali, and with it, the return of Supreme Court orders addressing Delhi's pollution crisis.
As Diwali approaches, the Court's recent remarks hint at allowing "green crackers" while reiterating prohibitions on conventional ones, reflecting an annual rhythm of judicial direction, administrative uncertainty, and public indifference.
Despite efforts by the Union and State governments to coordinate responses to Delhi's air crisis, the persistence of winter smog suggests that these efforts have not led to lasting institutional solutions.
The Court's orders and the government's initiatives have not translated into effective solutions to Delhi's pollution crisis.
Author's summary: Delhi's pollution crisis persists despite judicial orders and government initiatives.