The Supreme Court has indicated that it will not impose a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, but may limit their use to specified hours and allow only permitted low-emission varieties.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said during a hearing that the court would neither prohibit firecrackers entirely nor allow them to be used throughout the day. The observations came as the court considered how to balance public health concerns with the religious and social significance of Diwali celebrations.
“We will neither impose a complete ban on firecrackers nor permit firecrackers to be burst for 24 hours,” the bench said, according to the report. The judges indicated that a limited time window could be set for the use of approved firecrackers.
The court said a complete prohibition could hurt the sentiments of some people, while unrestricted bursting of firecrackers would have a severe impact on older people, those who are ill, children and animals. It said a middle path was needed, with clear instructions on both the hours of use and the types of firecrackers that would be permitted.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati presented a note before the bench on the possible use of a new generation of connected green crackers. The note said that limited and conditional permission could be considered for these products, which have been developed with the involvement of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.
According to the submission, the newer green crackers contain a reduced quantity of barium salts to lower pollution. The court’s consideration is therefore linked not only to the duration of firecracker use, but also to whether specific products meet the permitted standards.
The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Central Pollution Control Board in July and August whether limited relaxation could be granted for certain types of firecrackers. During the hearing, Bhati sought time until October 15 to place the CPCB’s response on the use of barium-based crackers before the court.
She told the bench that outdoor testing of barium-based firecrackers was still pending. She also suggested that the manufacture of joint firecrackers, or firecracker strings, could be allowed subject to conditions. The submissions indicate that the final operating framework will depend on technical testing, pollution-control requirements and directions issued by the court.
The issue has direct implications for Delhi-NCR’s seasonal air-quality management. Firecracker emissions add to the pollution load during a period when the region already faces serious concerns about particulate pollution and exposure among vulnerable residents. The court’s proposed approach would require authorities to communicate permitted hours and product standards clearly, while also enforcing those restrictions across the region.
The report said the Supreme Court had permitted green crackers before Diwali last year. The bench is expected to consider the CPCB’s response and the pending testing before deciding the specific conditions governing firecracker use.
