Supreme Court May Partially Lift Ban on Firecrackers During Diwali in Delhi-NCR

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran said the relaxation could be permitted for five days on a trial basis, with strict time restrictions.

The court reserved its final order but signaled that “for the time being, we will permit the ban lifting during Diwali.”

Controlled Celebration Window Proposed

The proposed relaxation would allow bursting of firecrackers between 8 PM and 10 PM during Diwali and other major festivals, 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM on New Year’s Eve, and one-hour morning and evening slots during Gurpurab. The Centre also suggested that firecrackers could be used for weddings and personal occasions, subject to local regulations.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, urged the court to allow more flexibility for families to celebrate, saying, “It is a matter of a few days. Let children celebrate Diwali with fervour.”

Air Quality Concerns Persist

The decision comes amid concerns over Delhi’s worsening air quality around Diwali, which coincides with stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Environmental experts fear even temporary relaxation could worsen the already fragile air quality index (AQI).

Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh cautioned the court about “fake green crackers” being sold under misleading labels, which continue to emit harmful pollutants.

Environmentalists noted that during previous relaxations between 2018 and 2020, so-called “green crackers” failed to significantly reduce pollution levels.

Experts Warn Against Reversal

Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, warned that even limited bursting of firecrackers could undo years of progress.

“We need to control all sources of pollution at the source, including episodic events such as firecracker bursting. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the impact can linger for days,” he said.

Dahiya added that while transport emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollution remain year-round challenges, firecrackers cause sudden toxic spikes, aggravating respiratory distress during the festive period.