Supreme Court urges use of celebrities to promote firecracker-free Diwali amid Delhi air-pollution concerns
The Supreme Court advised the Centre and Delhi authorities to enlist prominent public figures, including cricketer Virat Kohli, for a public-awareness campaign urging a firecracker-free Diwali, while highlighting health risks from particulate pollution.
A two-judge bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale, hearing the ongoing Delhi-NCR air-pollution case, asked the government to broadcast restrictions on firecrackers through television, newspapers and other media. The judges suggested that well-known personalities could record messages encouraging citizens to celebrate Diwali without polluting activities.
"Why can't you use the services of prominent personalities to make the public awareness like the good sportsmen or the public figures which are highly respected from any walk of life," Justice Varale said.
Justice Sundresh added that celebrated cricketers such as Virat Kohli could be approached to create a segment promoting a "enjoyable" festival that does not harm others. He emphasized that children should be educated about the health impacts of firecracker smoke, noting that younger generations can influence family behaviour.
"If you really educate the children, they will tell their parents not to do this. Young generation, they don't want to, they will celebrate Diwali, no problem at all, but they don't believe in firecrackers," Justice Sundresh said.
The court referenced amicus curiae Uttara Babbar's submission that air pollution causes over 2.01 million deaths in India annually, with 21 % among children under five, and that Delhi-NCR residents lose up to 8.2 years of life expectancy due to PM2.5 levels far above World Health Organization guidelines. Babbar highlighted that a single firecracker can release about 63,000 fine particles, which penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other health issues.
The bench noted that while the Constitution protects religious freedom, it must be balanced against public-health rights. It stopped short of ordering a total ban, warning that an outright prohibition could trigger a "spiralling effect" and urging authorities to enforce existing directions.
The court also called on education authorities to incorporate air-quality lessons into curricula, suggesting that informed children could help reduce firecracker usage. It instructed the Additional Solicitor General to monitor implementation and to file an affidavit detailing steps taken and challenges faced. A further order is expected within days.