In a major development ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has lifted its blanket ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region, allowing the sale and use of green firecrackers on a trial basis between October 18 and 21. The move, aimed at striking a balance between festive joy and environmental protection, marks the first relaxation of the ban in several years.
The decision came after the Delhi government sought permission to allow eco-friendly crackers to be certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). The order sets strict limits that crackers can only be burst from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali day.
Solicitor general urges ‘balanced celebration’
During the October 10 hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the apex court to consider lifting the complete ban, arguing that there was no conclusive evidence linking firecrackers to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.
“There is nothing on record to show that it [poor air quality] is because of the firecrackers. I urge that there is no restriction on firecrackers. If there is a two-hour timing… One hour goes in persuading parents only! We all were children! The child inside me is persuading the child in your lordships,” Mehta told the court, as reported by Bar and Bench.
The Supreme Court bench, while acknowledging the sentiments, said it had to take a “balanced approach,” allowing limited use of green crackers while ensuring strict enforcement of environmental norms.
The court made it clear that only NEERI and PESO-certified products will be permitted and warned that the relaxation could be revoked if violations were reported.
Manufacturers seek fair hearing, promise accountability
Appearing for the firecracker manufacturers, Senior Advocate K Parameshwar argued that restrictions had been imposed arbitrarily in some states. “Firecrackers were banned in half of Haryana without an opportunity of hearing,” he said, noting that manufacturers were willing to operate within strict boundaries.
“We are saying we will only distribute it to wholesalers from designated 25 to 30 points. And then the check becomes more effective… our children are also staying here… if it goes bad… next year also ban can be there,” Parameshwar added.
Supporting this stance, Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak said the entire industry had been unfairly penalised despite offering to cooperate.
“An already regulated industry was regulated further. Everyone was painted with a broad brush. Manufacturers had themselves said identify the offenders among us and punish them,” he told the court (Bar and Bench).
The Supreme Court directed the pollution control boards to closely monitor air quality during the festive period and submit their reports by October 21. Police authorities have also been instructed to ensure that only QR-coded green firecrackers are sold and to suspend licences if counterfeit products are found.
The bench will review the impact after three weeks, deciding whether the relaxation can continue beyond this year.
