Overview

• The Supreme Court directed Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to impose a comprehensive firecracker ban under the Environment Protection Act within one month.
• The order expands Delhi's year-round firecracker ban to neighboring states to address cross-border pollution impacts in the National Capital Region.
• States must establish mechanisms for citizens to report violations of the ban and widely publicize the penalties for non-compliance.
• Compliance affidavits are required to be submitted by the states, with contempt proceedings threatened for failure to enforce the directive.
• This measure is part of the Court's broader efforts to uphold the right to a pollution-free environment and mitigate Delhi's winter smog crisis.