India, Nov. 11 -- The Supreme Court on Monday told the Delhi government to decide by November 25 if there should be a permanent ban on firecrackers in the city, underlining that it was the right of every citizen to live in a pollution-free environment under the Constitution.

"Prima facie, we believe no religion promotes activity that encourages pollution. If firecrackers are burned in this manner, it affects fundamental rights of citizens," a bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih told the Delhi government which sought more time to decide on a perpetual ban on crackers.

The government said it would have to consult stakeholders as it has already received representations to not impose a perpetual ban because of religious...