Cracker ban not an attack on Hindus

The Supreme Court has rightly refused to modify its October 9 order suspending the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region till November 1. While rejecting a plea by firecracker traders hit by the order, the court also expressed anguish at attempts by some people to give a communal twist to the order. It clarified that the threat to public health as a result of rising air pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali festivities was its only consideration. While bringing back its 2016 order suspending all licences permitting the sale of fireworks, wholesale and retail, in Delhi-NCR, the apex court has commented that it would be prudent to “try out at least one Diwali without firecrackers” in light of the severe pollution and smog-like conditions prevalent during this period. This is a welcome move and the court must be complimented for doing what the executive chose to ignore.

Unfortunately, the temporary ban on sale of firecrackers has provoked protest from some quarters. There are people who argue that children cannot imagine Diwali festivities without bursting firecrackers. Saner elements, however, have supported the ban because it has been prompted by the court’s concern for the health of those very children. Meanwhile, right-wing politicians and their supporters on social media have waded into the debate with their usual conspiracy theory – Hindu festivals and Hindus are under attack. The grouse of the Hindutva brigade is that Diwali is being singled out.

It is so only because a massive amount of firecrackers laden with harmful chemicals are burst on a single evening during Diwali. Those trying to communalise the issue must understand that air pollution affects Hindus as much as it affects non-Hindus. Health hazards such as air pollution should not be viewed from a narrow perspective.

A Diwali with colourful lamps and lights is a far better way to celebrate than with noisy and polluting firecrackers. The Supreme Court’s move has already affected thinking beyond the national capital region. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has limited the bursting of crackers to a period of three hours on Diwali night. If it is established to the Supreme Court’s satisfaction that there is indeed a spike in air pollution levels post-Diwali, it is likely that most high courts would follow suit and impose bans on firecrackers — not just for one festival or in one state, but across the country and across all festivals.

That might ensure that no community feels discriminated against. But we must refocus on the fact that this is a public health issue, not a communal one.