Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 15: The Supreme Court on Wednesday relaxed the absolute ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR), permitting the use of green firecrackers during Diwali under strict guidelines.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran allowed the sale of green crackers from October 15 to October 21, 2025, exclusively at designated locations. Police authorities have been directed to form patrolling teams to ensure that only permitted firecrackers with QR codes are sold, take random samples for verification, and take strict action against violators. Online sales through e-commerce platforms remain prohibited.
Usage of firecrackers will be allowed only between 6 AM–7 AM and 8 PM–10 PM on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself.
The order comes in the long-pending MC Mehta case concerning air quality in the NCR. Earlier, on April 3, a two-judge bench had imposed a year-long blanket ban on all firecrackers, including green crackers. Several applications have since been filed seeking relaxation of the ban.
While reserving its order on October 10, the Chief Justice had indicated the possibility of lifting the ban temporarily for Diwali. The Solicitor General informed the court that the Union government seeks to allow green crackers during Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Gurupurab, aiming to balance environmental concerns with citizens’ right to celebrate festivals.
The apex court’s directive seeks to permit traditional celebrations while controlling pollution in the NCR.