In a significant ruling ahead of the festive season, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision, announced by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, allows green crackers to be used between October 18 and October 20, under strictly limited timings — 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
This directive serves as a temporary measure, aligning with the principles laid down by the apex court in the landmark Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018) case, where the court had initially allowed the controlled use of eco-friendly green crackers. The latest order aims to balance public festivities with environmental protection, especially given Delhi’s recurring air pollution crisis during winter months.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Order
The Supreme Court’s judgment emphasizes regulated celebration through eco-friendly means while ensuring zero tolerance for non-compliance. The main directives include:
Green Crackers Only:
Only NEERI-approved green crackers manufactured by entities registered with NEERI will be permitted for sale and use. Firecrackers containing barium or other harmful chemicals not approved by NEERI will be strictly banned.
Licensed Traders and Designated Sale Points:
Sales will be allowed only through licensed traders at designated locations identified by the district collector in consultation with the district superintendent of police (SP). These locations will be publicly notified to ensure transparency.
Ban on E-commerce Sales:
The court categorically stated that no sale or purchase of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart will be allowed. Any such activity will attract immediate legal action and confiscation of the goods.
Renewal of Expired Licenses:
The court also directed authorities to renew licenses of traders whose permits had expired or were cancelled after the previous bans, allowing them to operate for the stipulated festive period.
Restriction on Imports:
Firecrackers from outside NCR will not be permitted within the region, preventing the inflow of non-compliant or polluting firecrackers.
Patrolling and Vigilance:
Police authorities, in collaboration with district administration and state pollution control boards, will form patrolling teams to monitor the sale and bursting of firecrackers. These teams will be trained to identify NEERI-approved products, verify QR codes, and conduct random sampling to ensure compliance.
Strict Action Against Violators:
Manufacturers, sellers, or individuals found with prohibited firecrackers will face penalties, license cancellation, and possible legal proceedings. The court instructed authorities to issue immediate notices to offenders and ensure confiscation of illegal products.
Monitoring of Air Quality Index (AQI):
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are directed to monitor the AQI across Delhi-NCR from October 14 onward and submit periodic reports to the Supreme Court.
Why the Supreme Court’s Order Matters
Delhi and NCR have long struggled with severe air pollution, especially during Diwali and the post-harvest stubble burning season. The bursting of conventional firecrackers has been a significant contributor to toxic smog and poor air quality, often pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “severe” category.
The introduction of green crackers — developed by NEERI and CSIR — is a step toward sustainable celebration. These crackers emit 30–40% fewer pollutants, produce less noise, and are designed to reduce harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
By limiting the duration, locations, and type of crackers, the Supreme Court aims to strike a balance between cultural traditions and environmental safety. The regulated approach ensures that citizens can celebrate Diwali responsibly without compromising public health or air quality.
Impact on Public and Traders
For the public, this ruling brings clarity and opportunity to celebrate within eco-friendly limits. However, the court’s strict monitoring means that violations will not be tolerated. Residents of Delhi-NCR are encouraged to purchase only NEERI-certified green crackers from authorized sellers and to respect the prescribed timings to avoid legal penalties.
For traders, this decision offers a temporary relief after prolonged bans, but with stringent accountability. Only those registered and compliant with NEERI standards will be allowed to operate.
The Supreme Court’s decision to permit green crackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 20 marks an important environmental and legal milestone. It reflects India’s effort to move toward eco-conscious festivities while preserving cultural heritage. The order underscores the court’s commitment to combating air pollution, enforcing responsible manufacturing, and ensuring public participation in sustainable practices.
As Delhi gears up for the festive season, citizens are urged to celebrate Diwali with responsibility, choose green crackers, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.