Retired Supreme Court judge Justice A.S. Oka said, “No religion condones environmental destruction or cruelty to animals,” while stressing that every faith teaches compassion and care for nature at an SCBA lecture on clean air and climate justice.
Retired Supreme Court Justice AS Oka emphasized that religion teaches us to care for the environment and show compassion towards living beings.
Speaking at a lecture titled “Clean Air, Climate Justice and We Together for a Sustainable Future,” organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Oka noted that no religion condones environmental destruction or cruelty towards animals during festivals.
He pointed out,
“The most crucial reason for our failure to protect the environment is the failure of both citizens and the State to perform their fundamental duty under Article 51A of the Constitution.”
Addressing the issue of firecrackers, Justice Oka remarked,
“It is not confined to Diwali and to Hindu festivals alone. Many parts of India have seen on the first day of Christian New Year’s firecrackers being burst. They are used in marriages of people belonging to practically all religions.”
He questioned,
“Can anyone say that bursting of firecrackers is an essential part of any religion which is protected under our Constitution? When we celebrate festivals, we do it for joy and happiness, when families come together, they exchange gifts and sweets. But the question is, how is there joy and happiness by bursting crackers…”
Justice Oka also highlighted the problem of noise pollution, stating that religious celebrations across all faiths have increasingly contributed to unbearable sound levels.
He said,
“We use loudspeakers causing noise pollution that affects humans… I don’t believe that any religion permits or encourages the use of loudspeakers in celebrating any of these religious festivals. The use of loudspeakers for Azaan by mosques, there is a judgment of the Bombay High Court saying that this is not protected under Article 25 and not part of essential religious practice, and it was approved by the Supreme Court.”
He further questioned the necessity of loud music during festivities, asking,
“Why can’t we realize that it affects human beings, especially the old and infirm? What joy do we get by creating noise pollution either by bursting crackers or by using loudspeakers…”
Justice Oka stressed the judiciary’s responsibility, stating that the Constitution expects all citizens to fulfill their fundamental duties, making it particularly important for judges to do so. He noted that judges are uniquely positioned to ensure that both citizens and the State meet their obligations.
Justice Oka criticized political leaders for failing to discourage pollution and environmental destruction during festivals, asserting that they often promote such behavior.
Also Read: Bursting of Firecrackers Not a Religious Right, Says Former Supreme Court Judge Abhay Oka
He called for reforms in religious practices that contribute to pollution, advocating for changes based on scientific principles.
He said,
“The Constitution does not tell you not to keep faith in God. It says that you must initiate reforms, and reforms can be initiated only on the basis of science,”
Additionally, he expressed concern over the hostility directed at judges who issue strong environmental rulings, acknowledging that while public support may wane, judges are increasingly being targeted for their decisions.