New Delhi: Regarding the use of firecrackers on Diwali, the Supreme Court on Wednesday gave clear indications that neither will there be a complete ban on firecrackers nor will unrestricted use be allowed throughout the day. A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale stated that a balanced middle ground needs to be found, and specific time slots could be fixed for bursting firecrackers.
The bench observed that a total ban might hurt people’s sentiments, whereas allowing firecrackers all day could severely impact elderly people, patients, children, and others due to pollution. The court indicated that fixing a designated time window for bursting firecrackers during the festival would be considered.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to file the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report regarding barium-based firecrackers. She informed the court that open-air testing of barium-containing firecrackers is yet to be conducted. The court granted time to the Central Pollution Control Board to submit its report regarding its impact.
During the proceedings, a suggestion was also made to allow firecracker strings (joined firecrackers/laddis) with certain conditions. The bench expressed its willingness to consider this suggestion. However, the final arrangement regarding the use of firecrackers will become clear only after the CPCB report and subsequent hearings.
The issue of air pollution and stubble burning during Diwali was also raised during the hearing. The court stated that it would not permit the uncontrolled use of firecrackers and would consider the possibility of allowing their use within designated hours during the festival.
This matter has been pending before the Supreme Court since 2015. The court has been issuing directions from time to time regarding the use of firecrackers in Delhi and other areas affected by air pollution. In 2025 as well, the court had permitted the use of green crackers with certain conditions in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali.
