The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on lifting the year-long ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, indicating it may allow NEERI and PESO-certified green firecrackers during Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Gurpurab.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta proposed time-bound usage, 8–10 pm on Diwali, 11:55 pm–12:30 am on New Year’s Eve, and specific slots for other festivals, while urging relaxed timing to let children celebrate freely.

The court expressed concern over fake green crackers and unchanged air quality since 2018, except during the pandemic, and is considering revisiting the 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment to balance tradition, health, and livelihoods.​

Supreme Court Weighs Tradition Against Air Quality

A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard arguments in the long-pending MC Mehta v. Union of India case, which has shaped air quality policy in the NCR. On 10 October, the court verbally indicated it may lift the blanket ban imposed on 3 April 2025, allowing green crackers under strict conditions.

The Solicitor General proposed that only crackers approved by NEERI and PESO be permitted, sold exclusively through licensed traders, with a complete ban on online sales via platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. He also suggested QR codes on products for traceability and random testing to detect banned chemicals like barium, lead, and lithium.​

Stakeholder Concerns: From Fake Crackers to Marginalised Livelihoods

Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh raised alarms about “fake” green crackers being sold with misleading labels, undermining environmental goals. Justice Chandran stressed the need for surprise inspections by PESO, NEERI, and pollution boards to enforce compliance.

The court also acknowledged the economic impact, noting that the firecracker industry supports marginalised workers whose livelihoods were hit by the year-long ban.

Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, representing manufacturers, argued the April 2025 order conflicted with the 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment, which permitted green crackers with time and location restrictions.​

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Festivals are a celebration of culture and community, but not at the cost of public health or environmental justice. The Logical Indian believes in solutions rooted in empathy, science, and inclusion, where tradition and sustainability coexist. As the court seeks balance, citizens too must act responsibly.