New Delhi, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled out a complete ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali but made it clear that unrestricted bursting of crackers throughout the day would also not be permitted.
A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said the court would have to strike a balance between the religious sentiments associated with Diwali and concerns over air pollution and its impact on children, elderly people and those suffering from illnesses.
“Neither we are going to agree with you for total ban. Nor are we going to allow them to do it 24 hours,” the Bench observed, stressing the need to specify permissible timings as well as the types of crackers that could be used.
The observations came during the hearing of a long-pending matter concerning the environmental and public health impact of firecrackers.
The Bench indicated that it was inclined to permit specified categories of next-generation joint green crackers, subject to safeguards concerning their manufacture, noise levels, number and size of shells, and the interval between successive bursts.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to place on record the Central Pollution Control Board’s report on the environmental impact of barium-based firecrackers.
“Outdoor testing of barium-based firecrackers is yet to be conducted. I am requesting time till October 15,” Bhati submitted.
The Supreme Court granted the Centre and expert bodies time to complete the assessment and posted the matter for further hearing on October 15.
The court also took note of the Union government’s proposal to permit new-generation joint firecrackers subject to restrictions on the number and size of shells and the interval between bursts. The Bench indicated that it was inclined to accept the recommendation, subject to the prescribed safeguards.
The Bench further noted that some issues before it overlap with those pending before the Chief Justice of India-led Bench in the M.C. Mehta matter concerning firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. It allowed the parties to mention the issue before the CJI Bench so that the overlapping matters could, if considered appropriate, be heard together.
However, the Bench clarified that it would not pass any order on the Delhi-NCR issue at this stage. Other applications, including those seeking a ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers, will be taken up separately.
In October 2025, the Supreme Court had permitted the limited sale and use of NEERI-approved green crackers in Delhi and adjoining NCR areas during Diwali, subject to strict conditions. It had restricted bursting to specified hours and directed enforcement agencies to ensure that only permitted products carrying prescribed QR codes were sold.
The court had also barred crackers containing barium and those not approved as green crackers by NEERI, besides prohibiting their sale and purchase through e-commerce platforms.
The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards were directed to monitor air, water and soil quality during the festive period and submit their reports to the Supreme Court.
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