The Supreme Court said it would go step-by-step on the issue as firecrackers as it was part of life.
Concerned over the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court today mulled over the prospect of directing the Centre to suspend and not renew the licence for possessing, stocking and selling of firecrackers in the national capital.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said it would go step-by-step on the issue as fireworks have now become a part of life and a reasoneable order needs to be passed so that it could be enforced.
"Have some patience. It cannot be done overnight. We will do whatever is best for the country and Delhi. Any order passed by us will have to be reasonable so that it could be enforced," the bench, also comprising Justices A K Sikri and S A Bobde, said while reserving its order in the matter.
"If we ban firecrackers, then every cracker burst would be a breach of our order. We will consider all aspects and pass an interim order for a limited period," the bench said when it was told that large amounts of firecrackers would be burnt in the upcoming wedding and festival season.
It said it was considering passing an order that no new licence will be granted and existing licences not renewed or could direct the Centre to pass an order suspending the existing licences in Delhi-NCR.
The bench said it will not pass any final order without going into research and reports on its impact on air quality, health and lifestyle. "This is not a carpet bombing but a surgical strike. We will not pass any final order at this stage, but pass an interim order," it said.
Equating firecrackers with "burning of money", the apex court said one should think that when humans are affected so much with these firecrackers, what effect would it have it on animals like dogs which have more sensitive ear than humans.
"Firecrackers are not only used in Diwali. Nowadays, there are firecrackers even during cricket matches, festivals, weddings and anniversaries. People are least bothered about its impact on the environment," it said.