The Supreme Court (SC) ruled on Wednesday that no blanket ban shall be imposed on the use of firecrackers during Diwali, but clarified that fireworks cannot be allowed to continue round the clock too. It emphasised the need for a balanced approach that keeps in view the festive sentiments as well as the concerns over pollution, noise and public health.
A bench of the top court, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale noted that a complete prohibition on firecrackers could ‘affect the religious sentiments’ of the people. Concurrently, it warned that permitting fireworks throughout the day would have a detrimental impact on people and other living beings, particularly kids, elderly people and the ones who are unwell.
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The bench remarked, “We will make it very clear. Neither we are going to agree for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it (fireworks) for 24 hours a day,” as per a report by news agency PTI.
SC calls for specified time window
Underlining the need for a practical solution, the bench said restrictions should be framed in such a manner that allows people to celebrate while limiting the adverse effects of crackers. Its remarks came as it considered the regulatory framework governing the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers, particularly in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted a note, suggesting that limited and conditional relaxation could be kept into consideration for specified next generation joined green crackers, recommended by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
The proposed relaxation would be subject to compliance with applicable noise, emission and safety standards.
What are the conditions proposed for green crackers?
As per the note, next-generation joined green crackers have been developed in collaboration with CSIR-NEERI and are designed to slash emissions through the use of lower quantities of barium salts.
The specified fireworks, however, could be permitted only if they are manufactured by duly licensed manufacturers and comply with prescribed noise limits of 125 dB(AI) and 145 dB(C) peal. They would also have to be free from banned chemicals.
The SC is next set to consider the issue of the use of barium in firecrackers on October 15, 2026.