New Delhi: The Supreme Court has granted a limited relaxation in the firecracker ban across Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali 2026, allowing residents to burst certified green crackers on November 7 and 8. The permission comes with strict time restrictions and designated no-cracker zones, while the complete ban will return on November 9.
The court’s decision allows the use of approved green firecrackers only during two daily windows: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. Firecrackers cannot be burst outside these hours.
When Can You Burst Green Crackers In Delhi-NCR?
Under the Supreme Court’s order, the permitted dates and timings are:
- November 7: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
- November 8 (Diwali): 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
- November 9 onwards: Complete firecracker ban restored.
The relaxation is limited to certified green firecrackers. Conventional firecrackers and products being sold as green crackers without the required certification are not covered by the permission.
Where Are Firecrackers Prohibited?
The Supreme Court has also identified locations where bursting firecrackers will remain prohibited, even during the two-day relaxation.
A 300-metre restriction will apply around hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.
Authorities have been directed to identify and mark these areas as no-cracker zones and make the restrictions publicly accessible.
What Happens If Someone Violates The Order?
The court has directed authorities to obtain monetary security from firecracker manufacturers and traders operating in Delhi-NCR.
If they violate the conditions laid down in the order, their deposited security amount can be forfeited. The restrictions are intended to ensure that the limited permission does not become an unrestricted window for firecracker use.
What Are Green Crackers And How Are They Different?
Green crackers are a category of firecrackers developed through research by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
They are designed to reduce emissions and particulate pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. Some formulations also use additives intended to suppress dust and smoke.
However, the term ‘green cracker’ alone does not establish that a product is approved. Buyers must check for the required certification and identification marks before purchasing.
SWAS, STAR And SAFAL: What Do These Green Cracker Types Mean?
CSIR-NEERI has developed different green-cracker formulations, including:
- SWAS: Designed to release water vapour to help suppress dust.
- STAR: Developed to reduce particulate emissions.
- SAFAL: Formulated to minimise the use of aluminium.
The Supreme Court’s permission applies to certified products, not conventional firecrackers marketed under a green label. Consumers should check the official certification mark and QR code to verify the product.
What Were The Supreme Court’s Diwali Restrictions Last Year?
The latest relaxation follows a similar arrangement adopted by the Supreme Court during the previous Diwali period. Last year, the court permitted only approved green crackers, with restrictions on the dates, timings and places where they could be sold and used.
The permitted bursting hours were also 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. Sales were restricted to designated locations, while online sales were prohibited.
The latest order again allows a limited window for green crackers rather than lifting the wider restrictions on firecracker use across Delhi-NCR.
