In Brief
In response to severe air pollution in India's National Capital Region (NCR), the Supreme Court suspended all licenses for storing and selling fireworks, finding that unregulated use of crackers had caused air quality to reach critically hazardous levels—29 times above WHO standards. The Court held that residents' fundamental rights to education, health, work and life were being violated. While recognizing cultural traditions, the Court prioritized the irreversible health damage and environmental degradation affecting present and future generations over the commercial interests of fireworks manufacturers. The suspension would remain until the air quality improved and the Court could conduct further hearings on the broader issue.
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