The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during Diwali, setting a controlled window between October 18 and 21.
The use of crackers will be allowed only during 8–10 pm, with the court calling it a “balanced approach” between festive celebrations and environmental protection.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran clarified that the relaxation is a temporary measure, aimed at evaluating whether regulated use of eco-friendly fireworks can coexist with pollution-control efforts.
“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” said CJI Gavai, adding that illegally imported or smuggled firecrackers cause far more harm than certified green ones.
The apex court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and respective state pollution control boards to closely monitor both air and water quality from October 14 to 21 and submit a comprehensive report on the environmental impact of fireworks in the region.
Referring to its 2018 judgment in Arjun Gopal vs Union of India, which first introduced the concept of green firecrackers, the bench reiterated that those directions remain valid and must continue to be followed.
The court also reviewed the Delhi government’s October 14, 2024 order, which had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers across the capital and later extended it to the entire NCR. The judges observed that it was important to reconsider such blanket restrictions in light of both public sentiment and practical enforcement challenges.
