New Delhi, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the sale and use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period around Diwali, while imposing strict conditions on their manufacture, storage, sale and bursting. The court directed that the complete ban on firecrackers would be restored from November 9.
A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale allowed the sale of green crackers approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) from November 2 to November 6, subject to stringent safeguards to prevent conventional firecrackers from being sold as green crackers.
The Bench permitted the bursting of firecrackers only during two time slots on November 7 and 8: from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The court also prohibited fireworks 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 and publicised as ‘No-Cracker Zones’.
Laying down conditions for manufacturers and traders, the Supreme Court said only manufacturers holding valid certifications from CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) would be permitted to manufacture approved green crackers during the specified period.
The manufacture and sale of firecrackers joined in series, commonly known as ‘ladis’ or garlands, have been prohibited. Crackers containing barium and those not approved by CSIR-NEERI will also not be permitted.
The court further directed that every box must carry a product-specific QR code issued for the particular product and batch. The code must display details of the manufacturer, NEERI registration, PESO and DM licence, formulation and test certificate.
In relief to traders, the Bench ordered the temporary restoration of licences cancelled earlier, from November 4 to November 6, to facilitate the sale of approved green crackers procured from CSIR-NEERI-certified manufacturers. However, these licences would be cancelled immediately if traders were found violating the court’s directions.
The apex court also directed authorities to require firecracker manufacturers and traders across Delhi-NCR to furnish substantial monetary security, which would be forfeited immediately in case of any violation.
District Collectors or Commissioners, in consultation with the concerned District Superintendents of Police, have been asked to identify designated locations across the National Capital Region for the sale of green crackers. Sales at any other location, including through online platforms, have been prohibited.
The court directed authorities to inspect vehicles entering Delhi-NCR to prevent the movement of illegal and conventional firecrackers.
Police authorities, in coordination with district administrations, have also been asked to form patrolling teams to monitor designated sale locations. These teams must familiarise themselves with approved green cracker products and their QR codes, conduct regular inspections and immediately confiscate illegal or conventional firecrackers.
The Bench further directed that prosecution be initiated against manufacturers and traders found violating the orders, with random QR code checks to verify product authenticity.
On environmental monitoring, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in consultation with State Pollution Control Boards and their regional offices in NCR districts, has been directed to prepare daily air quality reports for the pre-Diwali period from November 2 to 6, Diwali on November 7 and 8, and the post-Diwali period from November 9 to 30.
The court also ordered post-festival measures, including the clearance and proper disposal of solid waste and cleaning of highly polluted areas through water sprinklers, among other possible steps.
State authorities, including the Delhi Government, have been asked to notify and publicise their measures through leading newspapers and news channels. These measures include the Winter Action Plan 2026, Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2026 and CAQM Annual Action Plan.
The Education Department Secretaries of all NCR states have been directed to sensitise schoolchildren about the impact of pollution, particularly during festivals. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also been asked to use its audio systems to broadcast public awareness messages.
The Supreme Court has directed the state machinery across Delhi-NCR to file affidavits detailing the implementation of its orders, including security deposits, designated sale locations, enforcement measures and prosecutions against violators.
All compliance reports and affidavits must be submitted by December 14, failing which strict contempt action would be taken against the responsible officials.
The Bench said it would monitor the implementation of its directions through periodic hearings and listed the matter for further compliance on December 16.
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