GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday, September 30, said a balance would have to be maintained between the use of firecrackers during Diwali and concerns over their impact on air quality, noise and public health.
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A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale indicated that it was not inclined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers, but also made it clear that their use would not be permitted throughout the day. The Court said it may prescribe specific timings for the use of permitted firecrackers.
“We will make it very clear. Neither we are going to agree with you for total ban. Nor are we going to allow them to do it for 24 hours,” the Bench said during the hearing.
The Court observed that a complete ban could affect the sentiments of people celebrating Diwali, while allowing firecrackers to be burst throughout the day could have an impact on “every other living being”, including elderly people, those who are unwell and children.
“We need to find a solution by which we can give a specified time,” the Court said.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted a note stating that limited and conditional relaxation could be considered for specified “next-generation joined green crackers” recommended by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).
The note said such crackers would have to comply with applicable noise, emission and safety standards and meet specified conditions.
The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to examine whether restrictions on firecrackers could be relaxed. The Court said it would decide which types of firecrackers could be used after receiving the CPCB’s report.
The matter has been considered in the backdrop of persistent air quality concerns in Delhi. The Supreme Court had earlier imposed restrictions on the use of firecrackers in Delhi.
In 2025, the Court permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region during Diwali for a limited period.
During hearings in July and August this year, the Court also sought the CPCB’s response on whether restrictions could be partially relaxed for certain types of firecrackers.
On Wednesday, Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to place the CPCB’s response before the Court on the use of barium-based firecrackers.
