Supreme Court suggests Virat Kohli and other celebrities promote firecracker-free Diwali campaign

The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 29, suggested involving well-known cricketers such as Virat Kohli and other public figures in an awareness campaign to encourage people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers. The suggestion came amid concerns over air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale was hearing an ongoing case related to air pollution in the region. During the proceedings, the Court suggested that the Centre and Delhi authorities take steps to raise public awareness about restrictions on firecrackers.

The Court also asked the authorities to publicise these restrictions widely through television, newspapers and other platforms. It suggested that prominent personalities could record awareness messages urging people to celebrate the festival of lights without adding to air pollution.

What Happened: Supreme Court suggests Virat Kohli and other celebrities back firecracker-free Diwali campaign

The Supreme Court stressed the need to raise awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers, especially among the younger generation. The judges suggested involving popular personalities such as Virat Kohli and other celebrities to encourage people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers.

During the hearing, petitioner Gopal Sankaranarayanan told the Court that the government was seeking two weeks to complete its consultation process. He also raised concerns that firecrackers continued to be sold and transported without proper restrictions.

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The Supreme Court will hear the issue of permissible barium content in firecrackers after Diwali. The Court is also examining other issues related to firecrackers and their impact on air pollution.

What the Court said and the background of the firecracker case 

The Supreme Court suggested involving popular personalities such as Virat Kohli in a public awareness campaign to promote a firecracker-free Diwali. Justice M.M. Sundresh said, “Somebody like, you know, the celebrated cricketers like Virat Kohli or somebody, you can request him to make a segment that let us make this Diwali as one that is enjoyable. Let us enjoy the spirit of the festival of light,” as quoted by Live Law.

Justice Sundresh also said that Diwali was traditionally a festival of lights, while fireworks became part of the celebrations later. The bench stressed that people could enjoy the festival without doing anything that harms others. Justice P.B. Varale also questioned why the authorities could not involve respected personalities in spreading awareness. He said, “Why can’t you use the services of prominent personalities to make the public awareness like the good sportsmen or the public figures which are highly respected from any walk of life?”

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The bench further highlighted the need to educate children about the harmful effects of firecracker pollution. It noted that children could also encourage their families to celebrate Diwali in a more environment-friendly way. Virat Kohli has previously appeared in awareness videos, although those videos have received mixed reactions from the public.

Why the suggestion matters and what happens next

The Supreme Court’s suggestion could help spread awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers. Involving popular personalities such as Virat Kohli could encourage more people, especially children and young fans, to celebrate Diwali without adding to air pollution.

The next step is for the Centre and Delhi authorities to spread the message through television, newspapers and other platforms. The Court has also said that public figures could help people understand the importance of celebrating the festival in a way that does not harm others.

Meanwhile, Kohli is part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The first ODI will be played in Auckland on November 4. The Court’s suggestion has highlighted how well-known sportspersons could use their influence to support public awareness campaigns.