SC News: Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali With Strict Time and Sale Limits

SC News: Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali With Strict Time and Sale Limits

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), but with strict conditions to curb pollution.

A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai announced that sales will be allowed only from October 18 to 20, and bursting will be restricted to two days — the day before Diwali and Diwali day itself — within a three-hour window each. Citizens can burst crackers between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm only.

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The Supreme Court has made it clear that only National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-approved green firecrackers with QR codes can be sold and used.

All sales through e-commerce websites such as Amazon or Flipkart are strictly banned. Only licensed vendors registered with NEERI will be allowed to sell from designated physical locations, which will be identified by district collectors and publicized widely.

To ensure compliance, the bench directed the formation of patrolling teams, including officials from the State Pollution Control Board, to monitor markets and public areas.

These teams will take random samples for testing and issue violation notices to anyone caught selling or using banned products. Offenders could face license cancellation and other penalties.

Green crackers are designed to limit the use of hazardous chemicals such as barium nitrate, helping reduce both toxic emissions and noise pollution. The latest directive aims to allow festive joy while keeping Delhi-NCR’s already fragile air quality in check.

With these new guidelines on firecrackers, the Supreme Court hopes to ensure a cleaner, safer Diwali celebration, balancing tradition with responsibility.