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The Supreme Court has permitted certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period around Diwali, while imposing strict regulations on their manufacture, sale and use.
The court ordered authorities to restore the complete firecracker ban from November 9.
A Bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale allowed the sale of CSIR-NEERI-approved green crackers from November 2 to 6.
The court permitted people to burst crackers only between 6 AM and 7 AM and 8 PM to 10 PM on November 7 and 8.
The Bench prohibited fireworks within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones. Authorities must identify and publicise these areas as ‘No-Cracker Zones’.
Only manufacturers holding valid CSIR-NEERI and PESO certifications can produce approved green crackers during the permitted period.
The court also banned ‘ladis’, garlands and crackers containing barium or lacking CSIR-NEERI approval.
Each box must carry a product-specific QR code containing manufacturer, registration, licence, formulation and testing details.
Enforcement and Pollution Monitoring
Authorities will temporarily restore cancelled traders’ licences from November 4 to 6 for selling approved crackers. Officials must cancel licences again if traders violate the court’s directions.
District authorities and police will designate sale locations, inspect markets and confiscate illegal fireworks.
Online sales and sales outside approved locations remain prohibited. Manufacturers and traders must provide monetary security, which authorities will forfeit for violations.
The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards will monitor and report daily air quality from November 2 to 30.
The court directed authorities to conduct post-Diwali cleaning and publicise pollution-control plans. Schools and Delhi Metro must also spread awareness about pollution.
Delhi-NCR authorities must submit compliance affidavits by December 14. The Bench warned of contempt proceedings against officials who fail to comply and scheduled the next hearing for December 16.
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