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Key Points

The Supreme Court has indicated it might lift the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR specifically for Diwali celebrations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta proposed allowing green crackers between 8-10 PM on Diwali with strict quality controls. The court expressed concerns about fake green crackers being sold in the market that still use polluting chemicals. A final decision has been reserved while the court considers balancing tradition with air quality concerns.

Key Points: Supreme Court May Lift Delhi Firecracker Ban for Diwali

  • Supreme Court reserves order on relaxing absolute firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR
  • Solicitor General proposes 8-10 PM Diwali window for green crackers
  • PESO and NEERI to inspect manufacturing of approved green formulations
  • Concerns raised about fake green crackers using polluting chemicals being sold
2 min read

Delhi: Supreme Court indicates lifting the firecracker ban for Diwali

Supreme Court considers lifting firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR for Diwali celebrations, allowing green crackers during specific time slots.

"For the time being, we will permit the ban lifting during Diwali - Supreme Court Bench"

New Delhi, October 10

The Supreme Court on Friday indicated lifting restrictions on the bursting of green firecrackers in the National Capital Region for Diwali.

A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran reserved its order and said it will decide on relaxing the absolute ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.

"For the time being, we will permit the ban lifting during Diwali," the bench remarked.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for Delhi-NCR and Haryana, requested the Bench to lift the restrictions put on crackers.

He requested the apex court to allow the bursting of green firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali. On Christmas and New Year's Eve - between 11.45 pm and 12.30 am, and for one hour on Gurpurab, he said.

He suggested a balanced approach that the court may consider.

The Solicitor General further stated that PESO and NEERI will periodically inspect the manufacture of crackers and ensure that only approved green fire formulations are sold in the market. SG said only the green cracker approached by NEERI shall be permitted.

Joint crackers are not manufactured, sold and used in the NCR, he said, adding that sales shall be through licensed traders and the selling shall be through permitted manufacturers only.

He said that manufacturers shall mention the quantity and details of green crackers.

Mehta also suggested that e-commerce websites like Amazon and Flipkart should not accept online orders or facilitate any online sale of green crackers.

Amicus Curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who was assisting the bench in the matter, expressed concern over "fake green crackers" being sold under false labels, which continued to use polluting chemicals.

During the hearing, the apex court also inquired whether there had been any improvement in the AQI from 2018 to 2024.

Mehta said it remained the same, except during the COVID-19 lockdown period, the AQI improved.

On September 26, the top court allowed the manufacturing of green firecrackers in Delhi, subject to the condition that they will not be sold in the NCR.

The apex court was hearing a case related to air pollution in the National Capital Region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good decision but I'm worried about fake green crackers. The authorities need to ensure strict monitoring. Last year, many shops were selling regular crackers as "green" ones.
A
Arjun K
While I understand the cultural significance, the AQI data shows no improvement since 2018. We need to think about our elders and children who suffer the most during pollution peaks. Maybe we can find alternative celebrations?
S
Sarah B
The ban on online sales is smart - it will help control illegal imports. Hope the licensing system works properly. Delhi's air quality needs all the protection it can get!
M
Meera T
As a mother, I'm conflicted. My kids love Diwali crackers but I worry about their health. The time restrictions are good, but enforcement is key. Let's hope people follow the rules 🤞
V
Vikram M
Great news! Traditional celebrations matter. The 8-10 PM timing is perfect for family celebrations. Just hope the green crackers actually work and aren't too expensive for common people.

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