New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday eased restrictions on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region ahead of Diwali, permitting the sale and bursting of green firecrackers between October 18 and October 21.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran said a “balanced approach” must be adopted between festive celebrations and environmental protection.
“We must allow limited celebration through green firecrackers without compromising the environment,” the bench observed.
Under the order, green firecrackers can be burst only during the specified hours — 6–7 am and 8–10 pm.
Acknowledging concerns over illegal firecracker sales, the court directed that police authorities form patrolling teams to ensure only products with QR codes—verifying them as certified green firecrackers—are sold.
The court further ruled that no firecrackers from outside Delhi-NCR should be brought into the region. If counterfeit or non-approved firecrackers are found, the seller’s licence will be suspended. Only firecrackers certified by NEERI as “green” are permitted.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution boards have been instructed to monitor air and water quality during the festive period and submit a detailed impact report for October 14–21.
The bench also noted the Delhi government’s October 14, 2024, order that imposed a blanket firecracker ban, extending to the entire NCR. It said the decision warranted reconsideration to reflect public sentiment and enforcement challenges.
The order was passed while hearing a case concerning air pollution in the National Capital Region.
