SC Signals 5-Day Relief for Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR on Diwali | Check Time Slots
The Supreme Court of India has indicated it might temporarily lift the long-standing ban on the use and sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali. A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard multiple petitions seeking relaxation of the ban and reserved its order on Friday. The bench said it will decide soon whether to allow the use of firecrackers for a limited period, considering both festive sentiments and environmental concerns.
Firecracker Ban May Lift for 5 Days During Diwali
During the hearing, the bench observed, “For the time being, we will permit the ban lifting during Diwali.” The court said it may allow the use of firecrackers for five days on a trial basis. However, it clarified that strict time limits will be imposed to prevent excessive pollution.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, urged the court to ease the timing restrictions, arguing that children should be allowed to celebrate Diwali without heavy curbs. “It is a matter of a few days for Diwali. Let children celebrate Diwali with fervour,” he said.
The government proposed specific time slots:
8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and major festivals
11:55 pm to 12:30 am on New Year’s Eve
One-hour slots in the morning and evening for Gurpurab
It also suggested allowing limited use of firecrackers for weddings and personal celebrations under strict supervision.
Pollution, Public Health & Enforcement Concerns
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, serving as Amicus Curiae, raised concerns about the misuse of “fake green crackers” being sold with false eco-friendly labels. She warned that these products still contain harmful chemicals banned by the court.
Environmental experts echoed her worries. Studies have shown that even so-called green firecrackers reduce emissions by only about one-third compared to conventional ones, still contributing to short-term spikes in particulate pollution.
The situation is worsened by stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana, which already pushes Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “severe” zone during this period.
Sunil Dahiya, founder of the think tank Envirocatalysts, warned, “Bursting of green firecrackers could potentially set back by 10 years the fight against air in Delhi.” He stressed that all pollution sources — from construction dust and vehicle emissions to festive fireworks — must be addressed together for lasting improvement.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has reserved its final verdict and is expected to announce its decision soon. If the bench allows a partial relaxation, it could mark a new approach to balancing celebration and sustainability.
While many citizens hope for festive leniency, doctors and environmentalists fear a surge in respiratory cases and smog. The court’s decision may thus set a precedent for how India manages its festivals amid growing environmental challenges.
