New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised concerns over reports of firecrackers being openly sold in Delhi markets despite restrictions imposed by the court and asked the Centre to ensure that its directions are followed.
A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale referred to a report published in Hindustan Times, which carried a photograph suggesting that different varieties of firecrackers were available in the markets despite the court’s recent order.
“In today’s report on Hindustan Times there’s a photograph… they say that notwithstanding yesterday’s order, now everything is available in the shops. Please look into it,” the Bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
Justice Sundresh also pointed to the reported availability of crackers with and without licences and QR codes, asking the law officer to take note of the matter.
What Has The Supreme Court Allowed For Diwali 2026?
The top court has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during two designated time windows on November 7 and 8, coinciding with Diwali.
The permitted hours are 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. The court has also made clear that the complete ban on firecrackers will return from November 9.
In its October 29 order, the Bench observed that although a blanket ban might appear to be the ideal solution, it did not have adequate data at this stage to determine whether a complete prohibition would be the most effective way to address pollution caused by firecrackers.
The court also expressed concern over the lack of implementation of its earlier directions and the measures taken by authorities to regulate firecracker use in the region.
Firecrackers Banned Near Hospitals And Silence Zones
The Supreme Court has directed that fireworks must not be burst within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones.
These locations will be designated as ‘no-cracker zones’. The court has directed authorities to mark the restricted areas on the ground and publicise the restrictions.
The Bench also observed that an individual’s right to follow a practice, even one associated with religion, is subject to constitutional restrictions, particularly when it affects public health and the environment.
The directions were issued while hearing applications in a case concerning the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR.
