Despite the ban, data showed elevated pollution metrics in Delhi and neighboring regions, worsening an already hazardous air quality situation. The Supreme Court highlighted the Delhi government’s inability to ensure compliance with its own regulations, with Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud calling out local enforcement agencies for their "inefficiency" in managing the air quality crisis. According to official air quality monitoring systems, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the "severe" category for several days post-Diwali, with pollutant levels reaching critical levels in various parts of the city.
The Court also directed the Delhi Police to submit a detailed report on the actions taken to prevent the sale and use of banned firecrackers. This directive seeks to evaluate whether police measures aligned with the directives issued earlier this year, which prohibited the storage, sale, and bursting of firecrackers. Several reports revealed widespread violations, with authorities allegedly confiscating only a fraction of illegal firecrackers available on the market, and instances of bursting occurring in multiple locations despite the restrictions.
The judicial reprimand aligns with longstanding concerns from environmental experts and public health advocates regarding the health impact of Delhi's hazardous winter air. Firecrackers, when combined with stagnant winter air and the smoke from stubble burning in neighboring states, contribute significantly to Delhi’s worsening air quality during the colder months. The increased particulate matter and harmful gases worsen respiratory conditions, especially among vulnerable populations, with several hospitals in the city reporting a surge in respiratory complaints, including bronchitis and asthma exacerbations, in the days following the festival.
In response to the Court’s intervention, the Delhi government has proposed several emergency measures to alleviate the pollution crisis, such as a reduction in vehicle emissions through the implementation of staggered vehicular restrictions and a temporary halt on construction activities. However, experts have raised questions over the efficacy of these ad hoc measures, urging for more stringent and sustainable actions to tackle the underlying causes of pollution in the capital.
Beyond local governance, the Supreme Court has also engaged with central environmental agencies, urging them to devise a coordinated pollution control strategy. Environmental groups have advocated for intensified and year-round pollution management efforts, highlighting the inadequacy of short-term interventions that only address pollution spikes during the winter season. A multi-pronged approach addressing industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning is deemed essential to bring about long-lasting improvements in Delhi’s air quality.