In an unusual turn of events, after banning firecrackers last year, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked why are people seeking a ban on firecrackers when automobiles appear to cause more pollution. It also directed the government to submit a comparative study on the matter.

Supreme Court asks Centre to give a comparative study on pollution caused by firecrackers & automobiles, & observes that why people are running after firecrackers and seeking ban on it when it seems that automobile is the bigger polluter. pic.twitter.com/1xVd5F00XM — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019

The Supreme Court also appeared to realize the devastation of employment their earlier judgment had wreaked. “We did not wish to generate unemployment,” the judges said.

The SC also asked, “what about the rights of the unemployed workers in cracker factories? Can’t leave them hungry. We did not wish to generate unemployment. If the occupation is legal and duly licensed how can you stop it?”. SC fixed the matter for further hearing to April 3 https://t.co/JWKfwbLjI3 — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2019

“We can’t let people go hungry because some others think firecrackers are not good. Moreover, there are areas where crackers could be used without causing much damage, such as community fireworks,” the bench led by Justice SA Bobde has said.

“Is there any comparative study on what proportion of pollution is caused by firecrackers and what proportion is caused by automobiles? It seems you are running after firecrackers, but bigger pollution contributor is perhaps vehicles,” the SC bench reportedly said to Additional Solicitor General ANS Nadkarni, who represented the central government.

- Advertisement -

The Tamil Nadu government had reportedly submitted that the ban on firecrackers has resulted in job loss.

The Supreme Court will hear the matter next on the 3rd of April.