SC Permits Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali

Supreme Court Allows Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali with Strict Conditions

Court Balances Festive Traditions with Public Health, Permits Only NEERI-Certified Crackers

Ban on Online Sales Continues; Bursting Allowed Only in Limited Hours and Designated Areas

By Our Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 15, 2025:

The Supreme Court of India has allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the upcoming Deepavali festival. The order, delivered on October 15, 2025, relaxes the earlier blanket ban on firecrackers but imposes strict conditions to balance festive celebrations with environmental protection.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta said that only low-emission, NEERI-certified green crackers can be sold and used, and that too within restricted hours.

What the Supreme Court Ordered

The Court’s ruling laid down the following key conditions:

Only green firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) can be sold.
No online sales through e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart will be allowed. Only offline sales at designated shops are permitted.
Bursting of crackers will be allowed only between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm during the festival period.
The relaxation applies only between October 18 and October 21, 2025.
Police authorities must ensure that only permitted crackers with QR codes are sold, and random checks will be conducted.

The Court emphasized that this was a temporary relaxation and not a blanket approval for future festivals.

Why the Court Allowed Green Crackers

The Supreme Court said it was adopting a “balanced approach” between protecting the environment and respecting cultural traditions.

Chief Justice Gavai observed:

Firecrackers smuggled into Delhi-NCR from outside states cause more pollution than certified green crackers.
A complete ban had led to illegal sales, making enforcement difficult.
Allowing only green crackers under strict monitoring would reduce pollution while still permitting celebrations.

The Court also noted that elderly citizens, children, and people with respiratory illnesses are most affected by air pollution during Diwali, and therefore restrictions were necessary.

Background: Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR has long struggled with severe air pollution, especially during winter months when Diwali coincides with stubble burning in neighbouring states.

In 2018, the Supreme Court first restricted the use of firecrackers and introduced the concept of green crackers.
In 2020 and 2021, several states, including Delhi, imposed blanket bans on firecrackers due to rising pollution levels and COVID-19 concerns.
Despite bans, illegal sales and bursting of crackers continued, leading to worsening air quality.

The latest order marks a shift from absolute prohibition to regulated permission.

What Are Green Firecrackers?

Green firecrackers are designed to reduce emissions by 30-40% compared to traditional firecrackers.

Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and NEERI, they use alternative raw materials to cut down on harmful chemicals.
They produce less smoke, lower noise levels, and are considered safer for the environment.
Each certified cracker carries a QR code to verify authenticity.

However, experts caution that while green crackers are less polluting, they are not pollution-free.

Delhi Government’s Role

The Delhi government had earlier sought permission from the Supreme Court to allow limited use of green crackers.

The government argued that a complete ban was impractical, as it led to black-market sales.
It assured the Court that strict enforcement measures would be taken, including police monitoring and awareness campaigns.

Following the Court’s order, the Delhi government welcomed the decision, calling it a “balanced step” that respects both public health and cultural traditions.

Public Reaction

The ruling has received mixed reactions:

Supporters say it allows families to celebrate Diwali in a traditional way while still protecting the environment.
Critics, including environmental activists, argue that even green crackers contribute to pollution and that Delhi’s air quality cannot afford any relaxation.
Shopkeepers and traders welcomed the decision, as it allows them to legally sell crackers after years of bans.

Expert Opinions

Environmental experts remain cautious.

Doctors warn that even green crackers release particulate matter that can worsen asthma and respiratory illnesses.
Environmentalists argue that the focus should be on awareness campaigns to encourage eco-friendly celebrations like lighting diyas and using LED lights.
Legal experts say the ruling provides a middle path, but enforcement will be the real challenge.

Enforcement Challenges

The Court directed Delhi Police and NCR authorities to strictly monitor sales and bursting of crackers.

Only shops with licenses can sell green crackers.
Random checks will be conducted to ensure compliance.
Violators will face penalties and possible imprisonment under environmental laws.

However, experience shows that illegal sales and bursting of banned crackers often continue despite restrictions.

Why This Matters

The Supreme Court’s decision is significant because it:

Sets a precedent for balancing cultural rights with environmental protection.
Acknowledges enforcement challenges and tries to regulate rather than completely ban.
Highlights the role of technology (QR codes, NEERI certification) in ensuring compliance.

The ruling could influence how other states handle firecracker bans during festivals.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s order allowing green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Deepavali represents a compromise between tradition and environmental responsibility. By permitting only NEERI-certified crackers within limited hours, the Court has attempted to safeguard both public health and cultural practices.

Whether this balance succeeds will depend on strict enforcement and public cooperation. As Delhi prepares for Diwali, the spotlight will be on how effectively the rules are implemented and whether the city’s air quality improves compared to previous years.