The Supreme Court has partially lifted the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR, permitting restricted use during Diwali 2025 under strict environmental and safety regulations.
In a major relief before Diwali, the Supreme Court of India has removed the total ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, permitting the bursting of green firecrackers within limited hours from October 18 to October 21.
The top court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran, declared that the relaxation is being brought on an experimental basis to balance environmental conservation and old traditions along with livelihoods of the people working in the firecracker trade.
As per the order, firecracker bursting will be permitted only between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. These timings will be applicable on the eve of Diwali and also on Diwali day.”Sale of green firecrackers will be allowed from 18th October to 21st October. Police authorities have to organize patrolling teams in order to allow only authorized products with QR codes to be sold. Violation will invoke stern action,” the order added.The Supreme Court also made it clear that only green firecrackers certified by NEERI — formulated to cut emissions and noise — can be sold and used. Such products are loaded with QR codes to make them traceable and stop illegal sales of normal, high-emission fireworks.
Air Quality Under the Microscope During the Relaxation Phase The CPCB has been asked to keep a close watch on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 18 till Diwali. The Court added the data will enable them to assess if the temporary exemption adds to the rise in pollution levels or stays within controllable parameters.The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already enforced Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-I) as of October 14, following a steady deterioration in Delhi’s air quality.At 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, Delhi’s AQI stood at 201, placing it in the “poor” category. The forecast warns of further worsening conditions as stubble burning in nearby states and weather stagnation continue to impact air circulation. Officials have been requested to coordinate enforcement to make sure that the limited relaxation on firecracker use does not worsen already poor air quality in the area.
A Shift from Total Ban to Controlled Celebration The Supreme Court decision is a turnabout from its previous blanket ban on all firecrackers in Delhi, which had been put in place to stem the extreme post-Diwali smog that shrouds the capital annually. Earlier, the Court had allowed production of green firecrackers but continued to ban their sale and use in Delhi and some adjoining states because of problems with implementation.
Both state governments and manufacturers, however, asked the top court to take into consideration limited permissions during important festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Gurpurab, and New Year’s Eve on the grounds that a total ban was economically hurting small manufacturers and traders while proving ineffective to shut down illegal crackers’ sales. Noting these petitions, the Supreme Court had indicated a few weeks ago that it was open to considering a “balanced approach” that protects the environment as well as jobs.
Wednesday’s judgment now puts that policy in place but with strict riders.”We are permitting celebrations but under tight control. This is not an abdication of environmental protection,” the Bench made it clear.Strict Enforcement and Penalties The Court has directed police administration in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad to create special patrolling units. These units will patrol designated sale points and ensure that only licensed sellers sell certified green firecrackers. Every green firecracker should have a QR code, created in consultation with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), which will allow citizens to check the legitimacy of the product using government websites. Anyone caught selling or bursting non-compliant firecrackers will face legal penalties, including fines and possible suspension of trade licences.The Court also reiterated that online sales of firecrackers remain strictly prohibited, warning e-commerce platforms against violating the directive.
A Test for Delhi’s Diwali Air Environmentalists are wary of the Supreme Court’s relaxation too, saying even the eco-friendly firecrackers — that emit 30% lesser particulate matter than regular ones — can give rise to short-term air quality spikes when large numbers are burst. The officials at CPCB will provide real-time pollution data during the festive week to assess if the new policy can be harmonized with the capital city’s continuous struggle against smog. While the Court’s directive provides partial respite for traders and citizens anxious to celebrate, it also lays the burden squarely on the people to see that there is compliance. “The right to celebrate must not override the right to breathe clean air,” the Bench reminded.
As Delhi gets ready for Diwali in the Court’s vigilant gaze, the next week will prove whether the country’s most vibrant celebration can be enjoyed responsibly — with light, sound, and conscience equal.
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