Supreme Court allows green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali
The court permitted the use of approved green crackers during specific hours on November 7 and 8.
The Supreme Court has allowed the bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on November 7 and 8, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and Business Standard. The permission is valid between 6 am and 7 am, and from 8 pm to 10 pm.
The bench, comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale, directed that fireworks must not be used near silence zones or within 300 metres of medical facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and health centres. The court also prohibited the sale or manufacture of firecracker garlands and those joined in series.
Manufacturers with valid certification from CSIR-NEERI and PESO are permitted to produce specific green crackers from November 2 to November 6, 2026. The court reiterated that firecrackers containing Barium or those not approved by CSIR-NEERI are not permitted.
The bench stated that the previous complete ban on firecrackers will be restored on November 9, 2026. This follows a year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers across Delhi-NCR imposed by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2025.
During an October 29 hearing, the court questioned the Centre and the Delhi government regarding the enforcement of existing directions. The bench noted it was not inclined to impose a total ban but warned authorities against non-compliance.