Delhi Pollution Crisis | SC allows limited sale and use of green firecrackers in NCR from 18-21 Oct

Today, a Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Chandran permitted the limited sale and use of green firecrackers across the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali. The Bench observed that although the smuggling of unapproved firecrackers has aggravated pollution levels, “we have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment.”.

Delivering the judgement, CJI Gavai referred to the Court’s verdict in Arjun Gopal v Union of India (2018) and noted that regulation, not prohibition, was the intended mechanism for ensuring environmental safety.

The Court observed that the air quality had only improved during the COVID period and there was no change despite a complete ban imposed by the Delhi government in October 2024. Observing that the concept of green crackers had been introduced after Arjun Gopal, CJI Gavai stated that “over six years, green crackers have substantially reduced emissions.”

Crackers to be allowed only for four days

As a temporary measure, the Bench directed the following:

1. Bursting of firecrackers will be permitted only between the hours of 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from 18 to 21 October 2025.
2. Only green crackers with authorised QR codes will be sold during the same period.
3. Patrolling teams will conduct regular inspections of manufacturers, and all QR codes of approved firecrackers must be uploaded on official websites.
4. Police authorities in NCR shall constitute patrolling teams to ensure compliance, with violations leading to immediate notice and possible suspension of licences.
5. No import of firecrackers into NCR from outside regions shall be permitted.
6. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards will monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and conduct water sampling from 14 October till 25 October. A detailed report will be filed before the Court

On 10 October, the Court had reserved judgement after hearing extensive submissions from the NCR states and the Union Government. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had urged a “balanced approach,” seeking permission for the controlled sale of green firecrackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) during Diwali.

Amicus curiae Uttara Babbar Singh had raised concerns about enforcement and quality control. The Court had questioned whether the continuing blanket ban had led to any measurable improvement in air quality since 2018.