Supreme Court Permits Sale and Use of Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali 2025
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region between October 18 and 21, setting strict timing limits from 6–7 am and 8–10 pm. The top court called this a “balanced approach” to accommodate festive celebrations while protecting the environment.
A bench of Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran emphasized that this is a temporary measure to assess whether a controlled relaxation can coexist with pollution control efforts. The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards to monitor air and water quality and submit a report for October 14–21 on fireworks’ impact in Delhi.
“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said the CJI, emphasizing that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater damage than certified green ones.
Referring to its 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling that introduced green firecrackers, the bench noted that those guidelines remain valid. It also revisited the Delhi government’s October 14, 2024 order that imposed a blanket ban, stating the approach needed re-examination considering public sentiment and enforcement challenges.
Firecrackers may be sold only at designated points of sale, and patrol teams must conduct regular inspections of manufacturers.
QR codes of all green crackers must be uploaded on official websites to ensure traceability.
Firecrackers from outside the NCR region are strictly prohibited.
Licenses of manufacturers found dealing in fake or non-compliant products will be suspended immediately.
The bench said these measures are aimed at balancing “the sentiments of individuals during the festive season, livelihood concerns of the industry, and the right to clean air.”
A bench of Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran emphasized that this is a temporary measure to assess whether a controlled relaxation can coexist with pollution control efforts. The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards to monitor air and water quality and submit a report for October 14–21 on fireworks’ impact in Delhi.
“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said the CJI, emphasizing that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater damage than certified green ones.
Referring to its 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling that introduced green firecrackers, the bench noted that those guidelines remain valid. It also revisited the Delhi government’s October 14, 2024 order that imposed a blanket ban, stating the approach needed re-examination considering public sentiment and enforcement challenges.
To ensure compliance, the court laid down a detailed framework:
Firecrackers may be sold only at designated points of sale, and patrol teams must conduct regular inspections of manufacturers.
QR codes of all green crackers must be uploaded on official websites to ensure traceability.
Firecrackers from outside the NCR region are strictly prohibited.
Licenses of manufacturers found dealing in fake or non-compliant products will be suspended immediately.
The bench said these measures are aimed at balancing “the sentiments of individuals during the festive season, livelihood concerns of the industry, and the right to clean air.”
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