The Supreme Court has delivered a significant judgment regarding the use of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region for the upcoming Diwali festival. Recognizing the balance between tradition and environmental concerns, the court has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers on November 7 and 8 within specific time slots. The bench, comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale, emphasized that while the goal is to mitigate pollution, a complete ban has previously proven difficult to enforce effectively, leading to this regulated approach for the current year.
Specific Timings and Judicial Reasoning
In its order dated October 29, 2026, the Supreme Court established clear windows for the use of green firecrackers to ensure that the impact on air quality is minimized. Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region are allowed to burst approved crackers from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the morning and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the evening. The court noted that despite previous total bans, the sale and use of firecrackers continued without effective control. By allowing a limited duration for green firecrackers, the bench aims to implement a more manageable and realistic regulatory framework. This relaxation is strictly temporary and applies only to the two main days of the festival, after which the restrictions will return to their original state.
Prohibited Zones and Protection of Vulnerable Groups
To protect the health of citizens, particularly those in medical care or educational environments, the court has mandated strict exclusion zones. No firecrackers of any kind are to be burst within a 300-meter radius of hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, and homes for the elderly. This restriction also extends to schools and other educational institutions, which have been designated as silent zones for the duration of the festival. The bench highlighted that pollution and noise from crackers can severely affect patients, children, and senior citizens. Authorities have been tasked with identifying these sensitive areas and ensuring that the 300-meter rule is strictly enforced to prevent any health complications for vulnerable populations.
Manufacturing Standards and QR Code Requirements
The court has set rigorous standards for the types of firecrackers that can be produced and sold. Only green firecrackers that have received the necessary approvals from CSIR-NEERI and PESO are permitted. The manufacturing window for these products is limited to the period between November 2 and November 6, provided they meet all environmental safety criteria. A key requirement introduced by the court is the mandatory use of QR codes on every firecracker box. These codes must be scannable to provide detailed information about the manufacturer, registration details, license status, and testing results. This measure is intended to prevent the sale of counterfeit or non-compliant products. Furthermore, the court has maintained a total ban on firecrackers containing barium and the production or sale of firecracker garlands or series.
Sales Regulations and Enforcement Measures
The sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will be restricted to specific locations identified by the local administration. The court has explicitly prohibited the sale of firecrackers through online platforms to maintain better control over the inventory and quality. Shopkeepers whose licenses were previously cancelled may be granted temporary licenses to sell crackers from November 4 to November 6, subject to strict compliance with the new guidelines. However, any violation of these rules will result in the immediate and permanent revocation of their licenses. To prevent the influx of illegal or conventional firecrackers from outside the region, the court has directed officials to conduct thorough vehicle inspections at the borders of Delhi-NCR. Officials found failing in their duty to implement these orders may face contempt of court proceedings.
Environmental Monitoring and Health Impact Assessment
The Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards have been directed to conduct extensive air quality monitoring in three distinct phases. The first phase covers the pre-Diwali period from November 2 to November 6, the second phase covers the festival days of November 7 and 8, and the third phase monitors the post-Diwali situation from November 9 to November 30. Additionally, the court has ordered the collection of data from hospitals regarding any increase in patient admissions related to pollution during this period. This data will help in assessing the actual impact of firecrackers on public health. The court clarified that the current relaxation ends on November 9, 2026, when the total ban will be reinstated. All relevant authorities must submit their compliance and environmental reports to the court by December 14. The bench also called upon public figures, including film stars and athletes, to use their influence to encourage a safe and less polluting Diwali.
Also Read: Green Crackers Explained: How They Differ From Regular Firecrackers and How to Identify Them
Source / स्रोत: India TV
