In a significant development ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) on a trial basis, relaxing the complete ban imposed last year. The Court emphasized that the decision is temporary and will be monitored closely to assess its environmental impact.
The order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran in the long-pending M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case (Writ Petition No. 13029 of 1985), which has been the cornerstone of India’s environmental jurisprudence for decades.
Balancing Festive Spirit and Public Health
The Court acknowledged the cultural and traditional significance of firecrackers during festivals but reiterated that “the commercial considerations and the festive spirit should take a back seat when it concerns the environment and health.”
It noted that unrestricted use of fireworks has historically worsened Delhi’s air quality, particularly during Diwali, when pollution levels spike dramatically. However, with the advent of “green crackers” — designed to emit 30% to 80% fewer pollutants — the bench agreed to limited relaxation under strict supervision.
Key Directions of the Supreme Court
The Court issued detailed directions regulating the manufacture, sale, and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR:
- Sale Period:
Green crackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) may be sold from October 18 to October 20, 2025. - Designated Sale Points:
Sales will be allowed only at specific locations identified by District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, with wide public notification. - Timing Restrictions:
Firecrackers may be burst only between 6:00 AM–7:00 AM and 8:00 PM–10:00 PM on the day before and on Diwali. - Licensing and Oversight:
- Only licensed traders selling NEERI-approved and PESO-certified green crackers will be allowed.
- The sale and use of banned chemicals such as Barium, Lithium, and Arsenic are strictly prohibited.
- Series firecrackers (laris) and online sales through e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart remain banned.
- Enforcement Measures:
- District-level patrolling teams will monitor sale points, seize non-compliant products, and ensure QR code verification of genuine green crackers.
- Confiscated illegal stock will attract license cancellation and penal action.
- Monitoring Air Quality:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards will monitor air, water, and soil quality from October 14 to 25, 2025, and submit detailed reports to the Court.
A Test Case for Policy Review
The Supreme Court clarified that the relaxation is “only on a test-case basis” and not a permanent lifting of the ban. The decision was taken after both the Government of India and the Delhi government supported limited permission for green crackers during festive periods.
The bench directed that results from this year’s controlled use — including air quality data and pollution assessments — would form the basis for future decisions on whether to allow or restrict firecrackers in the region.
Amicus Curiae’s Environmental Concerns
Amicus Curiae Ms. Uttara Babar cautioned that any relaxation could risk a return to the days when Delhi “reeled under smog and soot” after Diwali. She recommended allowing only those green crackers with at least 50% reduced emissions, along with comprehensive pollution studies before and after Diwali.
The Court noted her concerns but opted for a balanced approach to test whether the controlled use of green crackers can coexist with environmental safeguards.
Background: From Complete Ban to Conditional Use
Delhi’s firecracker ban has been a subject of litigation since the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India case (2015), where the Court first recognized the severe health risks caused by fireworks. The 2024 blanket ban was introduced after worsening pollution levels and was extended to the entire NCR.
However, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) later developed cleaner formulations of firecrackers, free of toxic metals and significantly less polluting, leading to this limited reopening.
Next Hearing and Further Directions
The Court has directed the Registry to forward its order to District Collectors across NCR and listed the matter for further hearing in three weeks, after reviewing pollution data and compliance reports from various agencies.
In Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed | Sale and use of NEERI-approved green crackers |
| Dates | October 18–20, 2025 |
| Use Timing | 6–7 AM & 8–10 PM on Diwali and the previous day |
| Sales | Only through licensed traders at designated points |
| Online Sales | Completely banned |
| Ban on Chemicals | Barium, Lithium, Arsenic, Lead, Antimony, Mercury |
| Monitoring Period | October 14–25, 2025 |
| Nature of Order | Temporary (test case) |
The Supreme Court’s message was clear: while festivals are vital to India’s cultural fabric, the right to celebrate cannot override the right to clean air and good health. The experiment with green crackers this Diwali will determine whether the two can coexist in harmony.
