Supreme Court Allows Certified Green Crackers for Two Days in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali

The Supreme Court on November 2, 2026, permitted the bursting of certified green firecrackers in the Delhi National Capital Region on November 7 and November 8. People can burst these crackers only between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The court noted that Deepavali celebrations have religious, social, and emotional importance, but stressed that individual rights remain subject to constitutional restrictions to protect public health and the environment.

Rules and Manufacturing

The court stated that past total bans failed to stop pollution and only encouraged illegal sales while blocking authorized green options. Only manufacturers certified by CSIR-NEERI and PESO can make green crackers between November 2 and November 6, 2026. These boxes must be sealed separately from normal firecrackers. The sale of crackers joined in series or garlands is strictly banned, and all allowed products must feature product-specific QR codes. Traders must pay a money deposit to authorities, and cancelled licences will be restored temporarily from November 4 to November 6.

Restrictions and Zones

No firecrackers of any kind are allowed within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and health centres, old age homes, educational institutions, and notified silence zones. Authorities must mark these zones on the ground and publish them. Green crackers are designed to pollute less than normal ones by using modified fuels, additives, and less metal, but they still produce fine dust, harmful gases, and noise.

Context

Delhi and the surrounding national capital region face severe air quality drops every winter, often worsened by crop stubble burning and festival fireworks. Courts regularly step in to regulate firecracker sales during Deepavali to balance traditional celebrations with public health concerns.