 "recrackers may be sold only at designated points, and patrol teams will conduct regular inspections of manufacturers. (Photo: AFP)")
The Supreme Court on Wednesday authorised the sale and bursting of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region from October 18 to 21, restricting the timings to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm. The top court described the move as a “balanced approach” between festive celebrations and environmental protection.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said the order is temporary, intended to test whether a regulated relaxation can coexist with pollution control efforts. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards have been directed to monitor air and water quality during the period and submit reports from October 14 to 21 on the impact of fireworks.
“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” the CJI said, adding that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater harm than certified green ones.
Framework and oversight for firecracker use
The court laid out a detailed framework for the temporary arrangement. Firecrackers may be sold only at designated points, and patrol teams will conduct regular inspections of manufacturers. QR codes of green crackers must be uploaded to official websites to ensure traceability, and crackers from outside the NCR will not be allowed. Licences of manufacturers found selling non-compliant products will be suspended immediately.
The bench said the measures aim to balance festive sentiment, industry livelihoods, and citizens’ right to clean air. The order follows a previous hearing, when the court considered allowing firecrackers on a trial basis, despite warnings from environmental experts and the court-appointed amicus about enforcement challenges.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, emphasised that only NEERI-approved green firecrackers would be permitted, with traditional fireworks remaining banned. He urged the court to allow “children to celebrate Diwali with fervour,” while assuring that strict oversight would continue.
Experts, however, caution that similar relaxations between 2018 and 2020 led to severe pollution spikes, even when only green crackers were used, whose emissions are around 30–35% lower than conventional fireworks. The 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling had allowed green firecrackers and supervised community displays, balancing festive rights with the constitutional right to clean air, but spikes in pollution have persisted during Diwali in subsequent years.