Supreme Court has observed that a complete prohibition could affect festive sentiments, while allowing firecrackers to be burst throughout the day would have a significant impact on people.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it would not impose a total ban on firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali celebrations, while making it clear that unrestricted bursting throughout the day would also not be permitted.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale, hearing the long-running proceedings concerning firecracker use and air pollution in Delhi-NCR, said a balance would have to be found by prescribing specific hours during which firecrackers could be used.

Court observed that a complete prohibition could affect festive sentiments, while allowing firecrackers to be burst throughout the day would have a significant impact on people and other living beings, particularly children, elderly persons and those who are unwell. The bench therefore indicated that the use of firecrackers should be confined to specified time windows.

The bench also considered the use of specified next-generation joint green crackers and has given the Centre and expert bodies time to assess the impact of barium-containing variants on ambient air quality. 

The issue comes against the backdrop of earlier Supreme Court orders imposing restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR because of worsening air pollution during the winter months. In 2018, the Court had directed that only improved and green crackers meeting prescribed standards could be manufactured and sold, while also restricting the timing of their use.

Last year, the Supreme Court had, on a test-case basis, permitted the sale and use of approved green crackers in the NCR for a limited period, subject to specified timings and other safeguards. The 2025 directions also prohibited crackers containing barium, joined series crackers or “laris”, and online sale of firecrackers.

Court had also directed that a patrol team shall conduct regular checks on the green cracker manufacturers, and the QR codes of the green crackers should be uploaded on the website. 

Previously, the Supreme Court had permitted certified manufacturers of green crackers; those approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), to produce such crackers in Delhi-NCR, on the condition that they would not be sold within the region.

The Central government had also been directed to consult all stakeholders, including the Delhi government, manufacturers, and sellers, and present before court a balanced policy on the next hearing. With a view to balance economic interests with public health, the bench had said that an outright ban would lead to unintended consequences.

Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, appearing for manufacturers, had told the Bench that they would adhere to stringent environmental and safety norms, as per the 2018 decision in Arjun Gopal judgment. Thus, while allowing manufacture, the bench has upheld the ban on sale in Delhi-NCR.

Bench: Justices Sundresh and Varale

Hearing Date: September 30, 2026

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