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.”
Wednesday’s order builds on discussions from last week when the court had indicated a willingness to allow firecrackers during Diwali on a trial basis. Environmental experts and the court-appointed amicus had cautioned that enforcement would remain a challenge.
At that stage, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had said only green firecrackers approved by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) would be permitted, while traditional fireworks would remain banned. He urged the court to allow “children to celebrate Diwali with fervour,” assuring that the government would maintain strict oversight.
Experts, however, have warned that such relaxations could undo years of progress in pollution control. They noted that during 2018–2020, when a similar policy was in place, pollution levels during Diwali remained “severe,” even with exclusive use of green crackers, which reduce emissions by only 30–35% compared to conventional ones.
The 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling had allowed green firecrackers and community fireworks under supervision, attempting to balance citizens’ rights to celebrate with the constitutional right to clean air. Yet implementation has often been patchy, and pollution spikes continue to coincide with Diwali celebrations, regardless of whether the festival falls in late October or November.
Under the Centre’s new enforcement plan, which formed the basis of Wednesday’s order, manufacturers must register products with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and state pollution boards, maintain detailed sales records, and ensure QR-coded traceability. Surprise inspections and public awareness campaigns are also part of the compliance mechanism.
This cautious move by the Supreme Court aims to allow Diwali celebrations while maintaining strict environmental oversight, reflecting an attempt to respect both festive joy and the city’s ongoing struggle against pollution.
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.”
Wednesday’s order builds on discussions from last week when the court had indicated a willingness to allow firecrackers during Diwali on a trial basis. Environmental experts and the court-appointed amicus had cautioned that enforcement would remain a challenge.
At that stage, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had said only green firecrackers approved by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) would be permitted, while traditional fireworks would remain banned. He urged the court to allow “children to celebrate Diwali with fervour,” assuring that the government would maintain strict oversight.
Experts, however, have warned that such relaxations could undo years of progress in pollution control. They noted that during 2018–2020, when a similar policy was in place, pollution levels during Diwali remained “severe,” even with exclusive use of green crackers, which reduce emissions by only 30–35% compared to conventional ones.
The 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling had allowed green firecrackers and community fireworks under supervision, attempting to balance citizens’ rights to celebrate with the constitutional right to clean air. Yet implementation has often been patchy, and pollution spikes continue to coincide with Diwali celebrations, regardless of whether the festival falls in late October or November.
Under the Centre’s new enforcement plan, which formed the basis of Wednesday’s order, manufacturers must register products with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and state pollution boards, maintain detailed sales records, and ensure QR-coded traceability. Surprise inspections and public awareness campaigns are also part of the compliance mechanism.
This cautious move by the Supreme Court aims to allow Diwali celebrations while maintaining strict environmental oversight, reflecting an attempt to respect both festive joy and the city’s ongoing struggle against pollution.
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