By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
“How is there happiness in bursting crackers that irritate the elderly, disturb infants, and terrify birds and animals?”, asked Justice Abhay S Oka.
No Religion Allows Environmental Damage, Says Ex-Judge Who Banned Crackers
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka, who once led the bench imposing a year-round ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, has reiterated that no religion allows the destruction of the environment.
Speaking at a lecture titled “Clean Air, Climate Justice and We – Together for a Sustainable Future”, organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Oka urged both citizens and the State to fulfil their constitutional duty to protect nature under Article 51A.
Justice Oka cautioned that the judiciary must remain unaffected by “popular or religious sentiments” if it truly aims to uphold the fundamental rights and duties enshrined in the Constitution. His comments come in the wake of a Supreme Court order permitting the limited use of ‘green crackers’ during Diwali, a decision that partially relaxed the ban he had earlier authored.
“The environment cannot be sacrificed for the sake of tradition,” Oka said, adding that no faith justifies pollution in the name of devotion. He described the increasing trend of damaging ecosystems through festivals as “deeply unfortunate”, stressing that every religion, when properly understood, promotes compassion and care for all living beings.
‘Crackers not an essential religious practice’
Drawing from his judicial experience, Oka noted that bursting firecrackers is not exclusive to any religion, citing their use during weddings, New Year’s celebrations, and festivals of all faiths. “Can anyone say that bursting firecrackers is an essential part of any religion protected under our Constitution?” he asked.
He questioned the logic of linking joy with practices that cause harm, “How is there happiness in bursting crackers that irritate the elderly, disturb infants, and terrify birds and animals?”
Idol immersion and water Pollution
Justice Oka also criticised the continued immersion of idols in natural water bodies, saying such acts severely pollute rivers, lakes, and beaches. Recalling his tenure at the Bombay High Court, he noted how judicial orders had sometimes permitted the use of plaster of Paris idols taller than six feet, contrary to environmental guidelines.
While praising civic authorities for building artificial ponds for idol immersion, he lamented that public acceptance of eco-friendly alternatives remains limited.
Addressing noise pollution, Oka reaffirmed that no religion endorses the use of loudspeakers for prayers or celebrations. He recalled his own judgment from the Bombay High Court, which ruled that the use of loudspeakers for azaan is not an essential religious practice under Article 25.
“Music is so loud that buildings and vehicles vibrate,” he said. “We must realise that our celebrations should not come at the cost of the health and peace of others. True spirituality lies in harmony, not in noise or pollution.”
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
Delhi, India, India
October 30, 2025, 08:34 IST
Read More