New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka has said that bursting crackers, using loudspeakers, and immersing idols in water bodies are not essential religious practices and that no religion allows the destruction of the environment. Speaking at a lecture organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, Justice Oka warned against justifying pollution in the name of faith.
He reminded citizens of their constitutional duty under Article 51A to protect nature, stating that every religion teaches compassion for living beings. “Can anyone say bursting firecrackers is an essential part of religion? The answer must be no,” he said, pointing to the suffering caused to the elderly, animals, and birds.
Justice Oka also criticised idol immersions that pollute rivers and beaches, citing the visible damage after Ganpati visarjan. He urged the use of artificial ponds as sustainable alternatives. Addressing noise pollution, he said, “No religion permits the use of loudspeakers. It affects human health and disturbs animals.”
He added that judges must uphold environmental justice without being swayed by popular or religious sentiments, calling for a “zero-tolerance” approach to pollution. Justice Oka expressed concern over the dilution of environmental laws that replaced criminal prosecution with monetary penalties, warning that it weakens deterrence against violators.
He concluded that religious reform must align with science and that the judiciary remains the final safeguard of the right to a clean and healthy environment under Article 21.
