New Delhi, Jul 23 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order banning the sale and use of all firecrackers during the COVID-19 pandemic in cities with ‘poor’ Air Quality Index (AQI).

A division bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Sanjiv Khanna observed that there is no need for scientific studies to measure the ill effects of firecrackers on health.

The court said that any resident of Delhi is aware of its effects, especially during Diwali when pollution level is at its peak.

Justice Khanwilkar told the petitioner, “Do you need IIT to understand that firecrackers affect your health? Ask anyone living in Delhi what happens during Diwali.”

The bench also said that the authorities may permit the sale and use of firecrackers as per the category of Air Quality Index in the cities.