The Supreme Court has given a green signal for the limited use and sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21, with specific time slots between 6–7 am and 8–10 pm. The decision, described by the top court as an attempt to strike a “balanced approach,” aims to allow festive celebrations while keeping a close watch on environmental safety.

The bench led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, said this arrangement is an interim step to see if controlled relaxation can work alongside anti-pollution efforts. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and respective state boards have been tasked to track air and water quality during the period and report their findings from October 14 to 21.

CJI Gavai observed that moderation was the key, adding that imported or illegal fireworks tend to cause more harm compared to certified green crackers. The court reiterated that its 2018 decision in Arjun Gopal vs Union of India, which introduced the concept of eco-friendly firecrackers, remains in force. It also took note of the Delhi government’s blanket ban on all fireworks issued last year, saying that such restrictions may need to be reassessed in view of people’s sentiments and practical enforcement challenges.

The court has issued several conditions for this temporary relaxation. Only authorized shops will be allowed to sell crackers, and the sale of any products from outside NCR has been prohibited. Green firecrackers will carry QR codes that must be listed on official websites for verification. Authorities have been directed to conduct regular inspections, and manufacturers found selling fake or non-compliant products will face immediate suspension of their licences.

According to the bench, these guidelines are meant to safeguard livelihoods and traditions while upholding the citizens’ right to clean air. The order follows an earlier hearing where the court had hinted at allowing limited use of crackers during Diwali, even though experts warned of potential pollution spikes.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, told the court that only NEERI-approved green firecrackers would be permitted, assuring that the government would keep strict checks in place. He said children should be able to celebrate Diwali “with enthusiasm” but in an environmentally responsible way.

Environmental researchers, however, remain cautious. They reminded the court that between 2018 and 2020, similar measures had failed to bring down pollution levels during Diwali, as even green firecrackers emit up to a third of the pollutants produced by traditional ones. Despite earlier bans and restrictions, Delhi’s air quality has consistently dipped to “severe” levels during the festive season.

Data collected last year from multiple monitoring stations across the capital showed particulate matter levels soaring past midnight, with certain areas like Vivek Vihar recording concentrations over 1,800 µg/m³—more than a hundred times the World Health Organization’s safe limit.

The Centre has now placed a comprehensive enforcement plan before the court. It includes mandatory registration of products with PESO and state pollution control boards, QR-code-based tracking for every batch, surprise checks at factories, and awareness drives for the public. The upcoming festive season, the court said, will serve as a test to see if a measured and accountable celebration can truly coexist with environmental responsibility.