New Delhi: In a significant development ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court of India has partially lifted restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), permitting the use of green firecrackers during a specified window of time.
Balancing environmental concerns with festive traditions, the top court has ruled that eco-friendly crackers can be used between October 18 and October 21, with strict guidelines in place. On the day of Diwali itself, celebrations will be allowed only during designated hours: from 6:00 am to 7:00 am in the morning, and again between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
The court emphasized the need to maintain equilibrium — allowing festive expression while minimizing harm to air quality. “A balanced approach is necessary,” the bench observed, noting that only green firecrackers — which are considered less polluting — may be used, and even then, only in moderation.
To prevent misuse, the court has mandated that no firecrackers from outside the Delhi-NCR region are to be brought in. Moreover, only those firecrackers with QR codes — a feature used to verify their compliance with green standards — will be allowed for sale.
The police authorities have been directed to form special patrolling teams to monitor sales and public usage during the permitted period. These teams will ensure that only authorized products are sold and used. The court also issued a stern warning: if counterfeit or banned firecrackers are found, the licences of the sellers involved will be immediately revoked.
The ruling comes as Delhi braces for its annual struggle with post-festival air pollution. While the court acknowledged the cultural significance of Diwali, it reiterated that public health and environmental sustainability must remain a top priority.
Authorities are expected to issue detailed implementation guidelines in the coming days, with enforcement mechanisms already being put into motion.
