SC to Rule on Firecracker Ban Ahead of Diwali Festivities

Supreme Court to Decide on Firecracker Ban Ahead of Diwali: Green Crackers, Pollution, and Public Sentiment in Focus

Delhi government seeks permission for green firecrackers, while court weighs nationwide ban

Debate intensifies between tradition, health concerns, and enforcement challenges before festival of lights

By Our Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 08, 2025:

As Diwali 2025 approaches, the Supreme Court of India is once again at the centre of a heated debate over the use of firecrackers. On October 10, just days before the festival, the apex court will hear petitions concerning the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR and possibly across the country.

The issue has become a recurring legal and social flashpoint. While many citizens and environmentalists demand a complete ban to protect public health, others argue for the right to celebrate Diwali with firecrackers, especially so-called “green crackers” that claim to emit fewer pollutants.

Delhi Government’s Plea for Green Crackers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced that her government will approach the Supreme Court to allow the use of certified green firecrackers during Diwali. She emphasized that Diwali is not just a festival but a deeply emotional and cultural event for millions of people.

“Keeping in mind the sentiments of crores of people in Delhi, our government has requested the Supreme Court to allow the use of green firecrackers in Delhi during the festival,” Gupta said.

The Delhi government has promised that only NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) certified crackers would be permitted, and that strict enforcement measures would be put in place.

Officials have suggested time-bound bursting windows, deployment of police and pollution control staff, and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green firecrackers were introduced in 2018 after the Supreme Court’s landmark Arjun Gopal judgment, which sought to balance tradition with environmental concerns. These crackers are designed to emit 30% less particulate matter and contain reduced levels of harmful chemicals such as barium nitrate.

However, critics argue that “green” does not mean safe. Studies show that even green crackers contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in Delhi, where winter smog is already severe due to stubble burning, industrial emissions, and weather conditions.

Supreme Court’s Stand So Far

The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance on firecrackers in recent years:

2020: First major ban on sale and bursting of crackers in Delhi-NCR.
2024: Expanded to a year-round ban on manufacturing, storage, sale, and bursting of all firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.
September 2025: Allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers but prohibited their sale in Delhi-NCR.

During recent hearings, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai remarked that if firecrackers are to be banned, the ban should be nationwide, not just limited to Delhi. “If cities in NCR are entitled to clean air, why not people of other cities?” he asked.

The Pollution Crisis in Delhi

Every year, Diwali night pushes Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “Severe” category. In 2024, AQI levels after Diwali were reported to be 14 times higher than WHO safe limits.

Doctors warn of a surge in asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart problems during this period. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable.

Hospitals often report a spike in emergency cases immediately after Diwali, with patients struggling to breathe due to the toxic mix of cracker smoke, stubble burning, and winter smog.

Enforcement Challenges

Despite repeated bans, enforcement remains a major challenge. In 2024, despite a blanket ban, firecrackers were widely used across Delhi and NCR. Police admitted difficulties in distinguishing between green and traditional crackers, as counterfeit products flooded the market.

Experts argue that public awareness and community participation are as important as legal bans. Without cooperation from citizens, enforcement agencies cannot control violations.

The Economic Angle

The firecracker industry, concentrated in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, employs thousands of workers and contributes significantly to the local economy. Manufacturers argue that a blanket ban threatens livelihoods and that regulated use of green crackers is a fair compromise.

Senior advocates representing manufacturers have assured the court that they will comply with strict environmental norms and only produce certified green crackers.

Tradition vs. Health: The Social Divide

The debate reflects a deep social divide. On one side are families and religious groups who see firecrackers as an essential part of Diwali celebrations. On the other are environmentalists, doctors, and parents who fear for public health.

Social media has amplified the debate, with hashtags like #RightToCelebrate and #BanFirecrackers trending simultaneously.

Possible Outcomes of the Hearing

The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing could lead to several possible outcomes:

Nationwide Ban: Extending the Delhi-NCR ban to the entire country.
Conditional Permission: Allowing green crackers under strict time and place restrictions.
Status Quo: Continuing the existing ban in Delhi-NCR while leaving other states to decide.

Whatever the decision, it will set the tone for how India balances cultural traditions with environmental responsibility.

Public Health Experts Speak Out

Doctors and environmental scientists have urged the court not to dilute the ban. They argue that even green crackers worsen Delhi’s already hazardous air.

“Green crackers are not a solution. They may pollute less, but they still pollute. In a city like Delhi, where air quality is already toxic, even a small increase can push thousands into hospitals,” said a senior pulmonologist at AIIMS.

Conclusion

The firecracker ban debate is more than a legal battle—it is a test of India’s ability to balance tradition, economy, and public health. With Diwali just days away, the Supreme Court’s decision will have immediate consequences for millions of families, manufacturers, and citizens struggling to breathe in one of the world’s most polluted capitals.

As the festival of lights approaches, the question remains: Will Diwali 2025 be remembered for its celebrations, or for the smog that follows?