New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali.
Allowing the joint request of the Centre and Delhi government, a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran relaxed the ban on green firecrackers.
It asked the Central Pollution Control Boards and state pollution control boards of NCR to monitor the pollution level during Diwali and file reports before it.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai clarified that only green crackers certified as less polluting and free from harmful chemicals like barium salts may be sold and used. The court said the relaxation was meant to balance the spirit of festivity with the right to clean air, particularly in light of the worsening air quality during the winter months.
The Bench also allowed the bursting of crackers only in designated open spaces identified by local authorities, and only during two restricted time slots: from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. “The use of crackers is permitted only within these prescribed periods and at places earmarked by district administrations,” the court said, warning that violations would invite strict penal action.
The top court gave certain directions and stated that the patrol team shall conduct regular checks on the green cracker manufacturers, and the QR codes of the green crackers be uploaded on the website.
There shall also be no crackers allowed to the NCR from the outside region, and if fake crackers are found, the license will be suspended.
The SC also directed the CPCB and the State PCB to monitor the AQI from October 18 and file the report, along with the sampling of the water.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a calibrated shift from its earlier position, where it had directed a complete prohibition on the manufacture, sale, and use of all firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, except for green variants approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
The court noted that several state governments had failed to enforce the distinction between green and banned crackers effectively, leading to confusion and blanket restrictions in recent years.
The court has directed the Delhi Police and the Pollution Control Boards of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to ensure that only licensed traders sell approved green crackers. All online sales, including through e-commerce platforms, remain prohibited.
Authorities have been asked to carry out random inspections and seize any non-compliant products. District magistrates will also have to submit compliance reports after the festival period, detailing steps taken to prevent the use of banned crackers.
Every year, air pollution levels in Delhi and surrounding areas spike drastically around Diwali, with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations crossing hazardous limits. Environmental groups have often argued that even green crackers contribute to toxic emissions when combined with stagnant winter air.
However, industry associations representing firecracker manufacturers had urged the court to allow limited use, citing severe financial distress caused by consecutive bans since 2018.
The Supreme Court’s latest order attempts to walk a tightrope between tradition and environmental responsibility, setting strict boundaries while acknowledging the cultural significance of Diwali celebrations.
