Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for two days during Diwali, November 7 and 8, subject to strict time restrictions and environmental safeguards. The court clarified that the complete ban on firecrackers would be restored across the region from November 9, 2026.
A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale allowed firecrackers to be burst only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on both days. Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 this year.
The court also prohibited the bursting of firecrackers within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones. These areas will be declared ‘No-Cracker Zones’, with authorities directed to mark and publicise the restrictions.
Under the directions, only manufacturers holding valid certifications from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) will be allowed to manufacture approved green crackers between November 2 and 6.
The court also prohibited the manufacture and sale of firecrackers joined in series, commonly known as ‘ladis’ or garlands. Crackers containing barium and those not certified as green crackers by CSIR-NEERI will also remain prohibited.
Further, the court directed authorities to ensure that only approved green crackers carrying product-specific QR codes are sold through designated locations. Online sales and the sale of firecrackers at unauthorised places will not be permitted.
The court also asked authorities to take measures to prevent illegal and conventional firecrackers from entering the region. Manufacturers and traders will be required to furnish monetary security, which will be forfeited in case of violations.
The directions aim to allow limited festive celebrations while addressing concerns over air pollution and public health.