Pollution-free air isn't just for Delhi elites: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the rationale behind having a firecracker ban exclusive to Delhi and the National Capital Region, emphasising that the Capital cannot receive special treatment simply because the elite reside there, as it sought the Centre’s response on applications challenging the yearlong prohibition.

- Abraham Thomas

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai, also comprising justice K Vinod Chandran, observed: “If citizens in NCR are entitled to pollution-free air, why not so for people in other cities.”

The CJI recounted a winter visit to Amritsar's Golden Temple, where he was told that pollution was worse there than in Delhi. “Just because Delhi is the Capital city and Supreme Court is situated here, should citizens in other cities not get pollution-free air,” the bench remarked.