New Delhi – In a close judgment on October 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India has allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR), subject to strict conditions and limited time. The decision moves away from previous blanket bans and attempts a middle path that respects both environmental concerns and cultural sentiments.
Highlights of Court Order
- The court has approved the use of green firecrackers only between October 18 and October 21, 2025.
- Bursting will be allowed only during two time slots: 6:00 am to 7:00 am the day before Diwali and on Diwali day, and 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
- Only NEERI-approved green crackers with QR codes will be permitted, and their offline sale through specified shops will be allowed
- Online sales and shipments from outside NCR are strictly prohibited.
- Enforcement measures include the deployment of patrolling units, taking random samples to detect non-compliant firecrackers, and canceling licenses of manufacturers selling substandard or illegal products.
- The Supreme Court termed this exemption a “temporary measure” to examine whether a regulated approach could co-exist with air quality objectives.
- Pollution control agencies at the Center and state levels have been tasked with monitoring air quality from October 14 and submitting reports to the court.
A bench led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran clarified that the objective is to adopt a balanced approach — to allow festivity without disregarding environmental and health imperatives
Context: From Complete Ban to Conditional Permission
In recent years, Delhi’s air quality has often fallen to “severe” or “hazardous” levels after Diwali, exacerbated not only by firecracker emissions but also by factors such as stubble burning and vehicle pollution in neighboring states.
Following the 2018 Supreme Court judgment in the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India case, the court had allowed green crackers – crackers with low emissions – under strict regulation while banning conventional crackers. Over time, enforcement, smuggling of traditional fireworks, and jurisdictional complexities across states made implementation challenging.
Earlier this year, a complete ban on all firecrackers, including green firecrackers, came into effect in Delhi-NCR. Several NCR states – Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan – had requested the Supreme Court to reconsider the ban, citing cultural expectations and economic loss to fireworks traders.
The Court’s current order therefore reflects a careful recalibration of policy: neither returning to unrestricted fireworks use nor maintaining an uncompromising ban.
Reactions and concerns
The celebratory and business communities have widely welcomed the decision as a relief for businesses and families wishing to celebrate Diwali more traditionally. Many had argued that the complete ban deprived people of traditional enjoyment and affected the livelihood of small vendors.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the decision, calling it “practical” and saying it respects public sentiment while maintaining environmental responsibility.
However, environmental experts and public health advocates have sounded caution. They point out that even “green” crackers emit ultrafine particles that can aggravate respiratory conditions, especially in sensitive populations like children, the elderly, and people with lung ailments.
One expert opined:
“Green does not mean clean. Even a 20–30% reduction in emissions still leaves harmful pollutants in the air,”
– citing challenges of weather dispersion and atmospheric stagnation.
Critics also warn that regulating and policing the influx of non-certified crackers — especially smuggled ones — will be a major enforcement challenge.
Challenges Ahead and Implementation Imperatives
The success of this decision hinges heavily on regulation, monitoring, and enforcement. The Supreme Court has placed onus on district collectors, police, pollution control boards, and central agencies to ensure compliance.
Key challenges include:
- Traceability: Ensuring every permitted green cracker carries a valid QR code linked to manufacturing data.
- Designated sale points: Proper demarcation of legal outlets and preventing illicit sales.
- Sealing supply chains: Stopping non-certified crackers crossing state lines into NCR.
- Air quality monitoring: Real-time tracking of AQI changes during the relaxation window.
- Public awareness: Educating citizens on safe times, permissible crackers, and health risks.
If violations surge, the court has reserved the right to reimpose stricter bans or withdraw the relaxation.
Significance and the Way Forward
This ruling is a test case in negotiating the delicate balance between cultural ethos and environmental obligations. The court’s decision signals an attempt to accommodate festival traditions while still protecting public health.
If implemented successfully, the order could become a model for how Indian cities with fragile air ecosystems manage festivals involving fireworks. But much depends on ground execution — from efficient enforcement to citizen cooperation.
As Diwali approaches (October 20 this year), all eyes will be on whether Delhi-NCR can celebrate luminously and breathe easier. The next few days will likely set the tone for future policies on festive air pollution management in India.
