New Delhi – Ahead of the upcoming Diwali festivities, the Supreme Court of India has ruled against imposing a complete prohibition on firecrackers. Instead, the apex court has advocated for a balanced approach, permitting the use of specific types of firecrackers within regulated timeframes during the festival.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a bench, presided over by Justice M.M. Sundresh, articulated its stance clearly, stating, “Neither we are going to agree with you for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it 24 hours.” The court acknowledged the sentimental significance of firecrackers for many, while also recognizing the detrimental impact of unrestricted usage on public health and the environment, particularly affecting the elderly, sick, and children.
The proceedings stem from a case initiated in 2015, wherein the Supreme Court has consistently issued directives to curb the use of firecrackers in Delhi and other regions susceptible to severe air pollution, primarily during the period between October and January. In a previous instance, in October 2025, the court had relaxed the ban for Diwali in the Delhi-NCR region, allowing the use of green crackers on the festival day.
During the recent hearing, the court urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to assess the possibility of easing restrictions on firecrackers. The bench indicated that it would issue specific guidelines on which types of firecrackers could be permitted for use, pending a report from the CPCB concerning the environmental impact of barium-based firecrackers. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested time until October 15 to submit the CPCB’s report, noting that outdoor testing for such crackers had not yet been completed.
The court expressed its inclination to consider the suggestion of allowing the manufacture of ‘joint firecrackers,’ also known as larri. These are comprised of a series of individual firecrackers linked by a single fuse, designed to ignite sequentially. This move suggests a potential allowance for certain types of string-based firecrackers, provided they meet specific safety and environmental criteria.
Concerns regarding a potential surge in pollution levels in Delhi during the ensuing months were raised by an advocate, who linked this to the combined effects of firecracker usage and stubble burning. These practices have previously been noted to cause significant environmental distress.
However, the Supreme Court reiterated that it would not endorse unrestricted firecracker usage. The court emphasized its commitment to examining specific timings during which permission could be granted for bursting firecrackers, thereby ensuring a controlled environment.
Representing firecracker manufacturers, senior counsel K. Parameshwar urged the bench not to impose restrictions solely on Delhi when considering the broader issue of firecracker usage. This plea highlights the desire among manufacturers for a more uniform national policy regarding the regulation of firecrackers during festive periods.
The court’s decision reflects a nuanced approach, attempting to strike a balance between cultural traditions, public health concerns, and environmental protection. By allowing permissible types of crackers within set time limits, the judiciary seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of firecracker pollution while still acknowledging the significance of these traditions during festivals like Diwali.
The directives are expected to provide clarity to manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory bodies ahead of the festive season. The CPCB’s upcoming report on barium-based firecrackers will play a crucial role in shaping the final guidelines concerning permissible cracker types.
The court’s intervention underscores the ongoing efforts to manage air quality in the National Capital Region and other polluted areas, particularly during critical periods of increased pollution risks. The focus on specified times and types of crackers aims to reduce the immediate impact on air quality without enforcing a complete ban that could affect livelihoods and cultural practices.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
