In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that the ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region will remain in effect throughout the year, rejecting pleas to limit restrictions to just a few months.
Emphasizing the severe and persistent air pollution in the capital, the Court declared that temporary bans had failed to curb the crisis. The ruling leaves no room for exemptions, including so-called “green crackers,” which the Court noted still contribute significantly to pollution. Online sales of firecrackers will also remain prohibited.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed arguments from firecracker manufacturers, who contended that the ban infringed upon their right to trade and livelihood. The Court countered that the right to health and a clean environment, as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, takes precedence.
“Not everyone can afford air purifiers at home or work. Those who labor outdoors suffer the worst. The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is fundamental,” the bench stated.
The ruling also reinforces the obligation of businesses under Article 51A to ensure Delhi’s air remains breathable. The Court pointed out that restricting the ban to specific months would be ineffective, as stockpiled fireworks would continue to be sold and used illicitly throughout the year.
Citing government data, the Court dismissed claims that green crackers offer a viable alternative, stating that they still emit significant pollutants. Without concrete proof that their environmental impact is negligible, no exemptions will be granted.
All states within the NCR have been ordered to establish strict enforcement mechanisms to prevent the sale and use of firecrackers. The Court has mandated states to submit reports detailing their plans for implementation, warning that both preventive and punitive measures must be taken against violators.
The decision comes as part of the Court’s ongoing oversight of pollution control efforts in the National Capital Region, addressing not just firecracker use but also stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and solid waste management.
Background
The Supreme Court has long been pushing for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans in Delhi-NCR. In November 2024, it had underscored that no religious practice justifies pollution and called for rigorous enforcement. By December, it directed authorities to impose a full-year prohibition on manufacturing, selling, and using firecrackers to combat both air and noise pollution.
While Delhi had already implemented a comprehensive ban, Haryana had permitted green crackers, and Rajasthan had restricted firecrackers in its NCR areas. The Court directed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to align with Delhi’s policy for a uniform approach.
In January 2025, the ban was extended indefinitely across affected districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, reinforcing the need for a coordinated regional strategy to tackle pollution.
