Arjun Gopal and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors.
Background
This is an interim order, not a final judgment. The writ petition seeks wide-ranging relief on air pollution in the National Capital Region, including action on fireworks, crop burning and dumping of construction debris. This order was made on an interim application, in response to the air pollution emergency after Diwali 2016.
Decision Breakdown
This is an interim order, not a final judgment. By its order of 11.11.2016 the Court suspended licences to sell fireworks in the NCR till further orders. It directed the Central Pollution Control Board to study the harmful materials used in fireworks and report within three months. The Court said it was issuing only interim directions, that much was left to be heard, and that it would not pronounce finally on the question at that stage.
Lesson Learnt
There is no final ruling yet on whether and how the sale and use of fireworks should be restricted in the long term. The suspension of licences is temporary and subject to further orders.