Supreme Court notes firecracker rules violated "left and right"; suggests using Virat Kohli
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Balancing religious freedom with the right to health: a GS2 and Ethics case study on environmental governance.
Why in news
The Supreme Court observed widespread violations of firecracker curbs during Deepavali and urged the government to enforce rules against banned crackers while suggesting public awareness campaigns.
Background
A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale noted that firecracker violations occur despite repeated judicial orders. The court emphasized that the right to religious freedom is subject to public health and the protection of fundamental rights.
Facts for Prelims
- BodySupreme Court of India: The judicial body hearing the case on pollution and firecracker enforcement.
- FactThe court noted that firecracker noise and pollution specifically impact children, the aged, the sick, pregnant women, and specially-abled persons.
- PostAishwarya Bhati: Additional Solicitor General representing the Centre and Delhi government.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Supreme Court's observations on firecracker regulations, consider the following statements:
- The Supreme Court urged the government to enforce rules against banned crackers and suggested public awareness campaigns.
- Firecracker noise and pollution specifically impact children, the aged, the sick, pregnant women, and specially-abled persons.
- The right to religious freedom is absolute and cannot be restricted by public health concerns.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The court emphasized that the right to religious freedom is subject to public health and protection of fundamental rights.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the conflict between the right to religious freedom and the right to a healthy environment in the context of festival celebrations in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional balancing: Reconciling Article 25 (freedom of religion) with Article 21 (right to health and clean environment)
- Enforcement gap: Challenges in policing seasonal commercial activities and the sale of spurious/banned crackers
- Public compliance: The shift from judicial mandates to community-led behavioral changes in pollution control
Keywords: Right to Health · Religious Freedom · Environmental Governance · Judicial Activism · Public Policy · Pollution Control
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