New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday postponed to October 10 the hearing on matters concerning the manufacture and sale of ‘green’ firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Earlier, on September 26, the top court had allowed certified manufacturers to produce ‘green’ crackers, provided they do not sell them in prohibited areas of Delhi-NCR without prior approval. The court had also asked the Centre to reconsider the absolute ban on firecracker production in the region.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to consult all stakeholders, including the Delhi government, manufacturers, and sellers, before finalizing any decision.
On Wednesday, the law officer representing the Centre requested an adjournment, which the bench granted. The matter is now scheduled for hearing on Friday. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing several green cracker manufacturers, requested an early hearing before Diwali.
The court’s earlier conditional order permits certified manufacturers—approved by NEERI and PESO—to continue production, provided they undertake not to sell any crackers in prohibited areas until further orders.
The hearing addresses petitions filed by firecracker manufacturers seeking relaxation of the ban and permission to sell environmentally-friendly ‘green’ crackers.
