Supreme Court permits only green firecrackers for Deepavali, enforcement likely tough in Delhi

Supreme Court has lifted the blanket ban on firecrackers and cleared the way for only green firecrackers to be burst during Deepavali, with the new rule set to start in five days. Activists warn that putting the decision into practice will be difficult, pointing to past bans that were openly ignored in the national capital. Over the years, both total and partial bans on firecrackers have been flouted by residents of New Delhi, reducing the impact of any legal restriction. The court’s order aims to curb pollution by promoting low‑emission crackers, but the city’s history of non‑compliance suggests a tough road ahead.

Context

Green firecrackers are marketed as a cleaner alternative that emits less smoke and noise. Delhi has repeatedly imposed firecracker bans during Diwali, yet many citizens continue to use conventional crackers, making enforcement of new rules a persistent challenge.