The Supreme Court declined to intervene in the closure of schools amid Delhi’s worsening air pollution, calling the crisis a recurring issue. It issued notice to NHAI and sought concrete long-term measures to curb pollution.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR due to persistent high air pollution levels. Emphasizing the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution, the court stated that alternatives like “green crackers” must prove minimal pollution before reconsideration. It recognized the severe pollution crisis as an extraordinary situation warranting the ban.
Justice Vikram Nath emphasized the urgent need for stricter pollution regulations and investments in clean technologies during the National Conference on Environment 2025. He articulated concerns over high pollution levels affecting children’s health in New Delhi, called for collective action, and underlined the judiciary’s role in promoting environmental rights and sustainable development.