The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Delhi government for the post-Diwali pollution surge, stating that the firecracker ban was scarcely enforced in the capital.

The court ordered the AAP government and Delhi Police Commissioner to submit affidavits detailing the actions taken to enforce this year’s ban and future measures to ensure better compliance next year.

According to a Reuters report, Delhi became the world’s most polluted city on the morning after Diwali (November 1), with air quality levels reaching the “severe” category as PM2.5 levels rose dangerously, posing significant respiratory risks.

The Supreme Court pointed to data showing that Delhi’s pollution levels this year were at a record high, exceeding those of the previous two years. The court further directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to file an affidavit listing specific actions taken to implement the firecracker ban fully.

Additionally, the court noted that stubble burning incidents had increased around Diwali, instructing the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit affidavits with details on the number of stubble burning cases recorded in the last ten days of October.