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In a hearing, the Supreme Court has suggested the Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli's name to encourage the people of Delhi-NCR to celebrate the upcoming Diwali without firecrackers.
Amid concerns over the capital city's air pollution, A bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale has suggested utilising celebrities, including prominent sports personalities, to join public awareness programmes. Virat Kohli, who has countless fans in India and across the globe, could make an impact if he urges the citizens to stay away from firecrackers during the festival of light.
Supreme Court mentions Virat Kohli's name in a recent hearing
During the hearing, the bench noted that Diwali, which is famously known as the festival of lights, was not associated with firecrackers in the past. Later, firecrackers became a part of the festival. Because of the growing concerns about air quality in Delhi-NCR, several voices have raised concerns against using firecrackers.
There is no denying that there are heavy risks of massive air pollution during the festival of lights. The Supreme Court, in its suggestion, mentioned Virat Kohli's name especially to start campaigns to raise awareness among people about the negative impact on the environment caused by using firecrackers.
“For Delhi, if you can say, they will come and do it. They will help you. Somebody like, you know, the celebrated cricketers like Virat Kohli or somebody, you can request him to make a segment that lets us make this Diwali as one that is enjoyable. Let us enjoy the spirit of the festival of light," Justice Sundresh said, as quoted by Live Law.
"As rightly said, it was not there originally. The problem came when the fireworks started coming. When the gunpowder came, right from the 14th century, 15th century, this would have totally gotten in," he added in his statement.
Justice P.B. Varale also asked to use public figures to spread awareness
Justice P.B. Varale mentioned the same. Varale asked why the authorities could not appoint the well-known sportsmen or the public figures, who are highly respected among the citizens, to conduct an anti-firecracker Diwali Campaign.
“Why can’t you use the services of prominent personalities to raise public awareness, like the good sportsmen or the public figures who are highly respected from any walk of life," Justice Varale said.
Public awareness through the education system
During the hearing, Justice Sundresh also mentioned that the education authorities could also make contributions to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers by educating the children about the impact of air pollution. By educating the children about the air pollution, their parents also can be influenced as well.
“Probably it is time for us to issue some direction to the education authorities to educate the children. From there, it should come. Now, how do we actually celebrate the occasion, the festival, without even causing any inconvenience to anybody”, said Justice Sundresh.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's next match for the India National Cricket Team is expected to be on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, when the Indian cricket team will face the New Zealand National Cricket Team for the first ODI match of the ongoing bilateral series.
