The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between October 18 and 21. The court restricted timings to 6-7 am and 8-10 pm. Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran described the order as a “balanced approach” that considers both festive joy and environmental protection.

The bench emphasized that the decision is temporary and meant to assess whether carefully regulated firecracker use can coexist with pollution control efforts. The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board and state boards to monitor air and water quality during this period. Authorities must submit a report from October 14 to 21 on the impact of fireworks on Delhi’s air.

“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment,” the Chief Justice said. He added that smuggled firecrackers cause far greater damage than certified green ones.

Reference to Green Firecrackers and Past Judgments

The bench referred to its 2018 Arjun Gopal vs Union of India judgment, which first introduced green firecrackers. The court noted that those directions remain valid. It also reviewed the Delhi government’s October 14, 2024 order, which had imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi, later extended to the entire NCR. The judges observed that public sentiment and enforcement realities required a reassessment of the ban.

Framework for Sale and Bursting

As a temporary measure, the court laid out strict rules. Firecrackers can only be sold from designated points of sale, and patrol teams must monitor manufacturers. The QR codes of green crackers must be uploaded on official websites for traceability. Firecrackers from outside the NCR will not be allowed, and licenses of manufacturers dealing in fake or non-compliant products will be suspended immediately. The bench said these measures aim to balance “the sentiments of individuals during the festive season, livelihood concerns of the industry, and the right to clean air.”

Trial Basis and Government Oversight

The order builds on a hearing last week when the court suggested allowing firecrackers during Diwali on a trial basis. Environmental experts and the court-appointed amicus had warned that enforcement would remain a challenge.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said only green firecrackers approved by NEERI would be allowed, while traditional fireworks remain banned. He urged the court to let “children celebrate Diwali with fervour” and assured that the government would maintain strict oversight.

Experts Warn About Pollution Risks

Experts cautioned that such relaxations could undo years of progress. Between 2018 and 2020, when a similar policy was in place, pollution during Diwali remained “severe,” despite the exclusive use of green crackers. Green crackers reduce emissions by about 30–35% compared to conventional ones, which is not enough to prevent harmful spikes.

The 2018 Arjun Gopal ruling allowed supervised green and community fireworks, balancing the right to celebrate with the constitutional right to clean air. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, and pollution spikes continue during Diwali, regardless of whether it falls in late October or November.

Last year, data from 40 monitoring stations in Delhi showed particulate matter levels peaking after 11 pm. Vivek Vihar recorded 1,853 µg/m³, more than 120 times the WHO safe limit.

Centre’s New Enforcement Plan

Under the Centre’s enforcement plan submitted on October 10, manufacturers must register products with PESO and state pollution boards. They must maintain detailed sales records and ensure QR-coded traceability. Surprise inspections and public awareness campaigns are also part of the plan, forming the basis of the Supreme Court’s Wednesday order.