Religious practices that cause pollution or environmental harm cannot claim protection under Article 25 of the Constitution, former Supreme Court Justice Abhay S Oka said while urging citizens, governments and courts to rethink the ecological cost of festivals and faith-based customs. "So the question is whether bursting of firecrackers or these kinds of activities that pollute rivers is protected by Article 25? According to my limited knowledge, the answer must be firmly in the negative,” he remarked during a lecture organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association tilted Clean Air, Climate Justice, and We - Together for a Sustainable Future. Justice Oka emphasised that neither religious freedom nor popular sentiment could justify actions that endanger public health or environm

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