In a decisive yet cautious move, the Supreme Court has lifted the year-long blanket ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region — but only to allow the use and sale of green crackers for this Diwali season, under tightly controlled conditions.
A Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran stated that the relaxation is a “test case,” echoing the precedent set in the Arjun Gopal ruling of 2018. The permission applies solely to certified eco-friendly fireworks and will be in force for a narrow window from October 18 to October 20.
The Court’s directions, issued under the long-running M.C. Mehta case on NCR’s air quality, lay down a precise framework:
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Sales will be restricted to designated spots identified by district authorities in consultation with the police.
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Patrolling teams will monitor these sale points and ensure that only approved green crackers, carrying NEERI-issued QR codes, reach consumers.
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Use of firecrackers is confined to 6–7 a.m. and 8–10 p.m. on Diwali and the day before.
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No online sales, no serial firecrackers (laris), and no barium-based products will be allowed.
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Any non-licensed or non-NEERI-certified items will face immediate confiscation.
Additionally, the Court directed the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to keep a close watch on air quality across NCR between October 14 and 25, collecting air, sand, and water samples to assess Diwali’s environmental impact.
This partial reprieve follows multiple petitions — including those from the Centre and Delhi Government — urging the Court to reconsider the blanket prohibition imposed in April. The relaxation, however, remains provisional and subject to review based on the post-Diwali pollution data.
The Supreme Court made it clear: this is not a return to old habits, but an experiment in responsible celebration — one that will determine whether tradition and environmental caution can coexist under the same festive sky.
