Justice Abhay Oka Calls for Judicial Role in Combating Pollution

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka, known for his advocacy for clean air and sustainability, questioned the religious necessity of firecrackers during festivals like Diwali and Christmas, noting their significant harm to the elderly, infirm, and animals.

During a Supreme Court Bar Association lecture, Justice Oka stressed that while firesackers feature in celebrations across religions in India, they are not mandated by doctrine and severely affect disadvantaged communities who can't afford protective measures like air purifiers.

Oka criticized political and religious leaders for neglecting environmental duties and urged courts to enforce strict environmental laws, arguing they are best positioned to protect the public's right to a pollution-free environment, as enshrined under Article 21.