The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of certified green crackers in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts during Diwali, from 18 to 21 October.
This move provides a temporary reprieve for celebrants while enforcing stringent regulations to minimise environmental harm.
A Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order in response to the Delhi government’s appeal to allow the use of environmentally approved crackers during Diwali.
The court allowed the use of firecrackers strictly between 6 PM and 10 PM during the permitted dates.
Additionally, the court banned the sale of firecrackers via e-commerce platforms and mandated the creation of patrolling teams to enforce compliance on the ground.
Only green crackers bearing QR codes, approved by NEERI and PESO, will be allowed for sale.
No Room for Violations
The Supreme Court made it clear that violators would face action. It directed authorities to issue notices to anyone breaching the prescribed norms.
The court’s order emphasised enforcement, including monitoring by pollution control boards and sealing of non-compliant premises if required.
In an earlier order dated 26 September, the Supreme Court had permitted certified manufacturers to begin producing green crackers in the NCR.
However, the court had prohibited their sale in restricted areas until further notice. The latest ruling allows limited sale and use during the festival window.
Past Concerns Over Air Quality
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the Bench during the proceedings that only licensed traders and NEERI- and PESO-authorised manufacturers would sell green crackers. He also noted that these safeguards would prevent the re-entry of traditional firecrackers through unauthorised routes.
The court’s cautious approach follows its earlier observation in April this year, where it noted that short-term bans on crackers have had a limited impact. It reiterated that the right to health, enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, includes the right to breathe clean air.
This ruling follows a series of past interventions by the court concerning air quality in Delhi-NCR, including a complete ban on firecrackers earlier this year.
The current decision is seen as a temporary and closely regulated compromise.
While this decision allows festive celebrations to continue with limitations, the court stressed that public health remains paramount.
The focus remains on ensuring that any celebrations do not worsen Delhi’s already fragile air quality.
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