SC Permits Sale & Bursting of Green Crackers in Delhi NCR
The Supreme Court of India has allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region during Diwali, from October 18 to 20, 2025. The decision temporarily eases earlier restrictions while aiming to regulate festive celebrations in an environmentally safer way.
Usage Guidelines
The court specified fixed time slots for bursting crackers: 6:00 am to 7:00 am and 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the permitted days. Only NEERI-approved green crackers with QR codes can be sold, exclusively through licensed vendors. Online sales and the entry of non-approved crackers from outside NCR remain prohibited.
Enforcement & Monitoring
Police and pollution control teams will supervise sale points and celebrations. Any violation, including selling banned products, will lead to confiscation and cancellation of licences. The CPCB and state boards must monitor and submit daily air quality reports from October 14 to 25.
Rationale & Context
The bench noted that a blanket ban had encouraged smuggling of traditional high-emission firecrackers. By permitting green alternatives under regulation, the court aims to test whether cultural practices and pollution control can coexist. The ruling draws reference from the Arjun Gopal judgment, which set earlier limits on cracker use.
