Supreme Court May Relax Absolute Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR: Green Crackers Guidelines, Environmental Impact, and Diwali 2025 Celebrations

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by

Himanshu
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The upcoming Diwali festival in Delhi-NCR could see a major shift in how celebrations are conducted, following indications from the Supreme Court of India that the absolute ban on firecrackers may be relaxed. This potential decision comes after years of debates, legal interventions, and environmental concerns surrounding the MC Mehta case, which addresses the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR caused partly by firecracker use during festivals. The Court’s decision is eagerly awaited by residents, environmentalists, and traders alike, as it balances cultural festivities with environmental protection.

Background: Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR

The firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR has been in place in various forms over recent years, with the Supreme Court actively monitoring air quality. The MC Mehta case, ongoing for decades, specifically focuses on preventing Delhi from becoming uninhabitable due to rising air pollution levels.

  • April 2025: The Supreme Court imposed a year-long absolute ban on firecrackers, including green crackers, citing deteriorating air quality levels during Diwali.
  • Air Pollution Impact: Delhi-NCR regularly records PM2.5 levels above 300 μg/m³ during Diwali, which is 12 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) safe limit of 25 μg/m³. High PM2.5 concentrations are linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths.

Despite these measures, residents and festival organizers have sought relaxation of the ban to permit green crackers, which are claimed to reduce harmful emissions by 30–35% compared to traditional crackers.

Supreme Court’s Recent Hearing

On October 10, 2025, a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran held a significant hearing on the firecracker ban. Key highlights:

TopicDetails
Court BenchCJI BR Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran
Date of HearingOctober 10, 2025
PetitionReview of the absolute firecracker ban under MC Mehta case
Solicitor GeneralTushar Mehta for the Union of India
Court RemarksIndicated possible relaxation for Diwali using green crackers

During the proceedings, the Court considered submissions from various stakeholders, including state governments, environmental experts, and festival organizers. The Chief Justice hinted at allowing limited green cracker usage, signaling a potential softening of the previously rigid ban.

Proposed Green Cracker Guidelines

If the relaxation is approved, authorities are likely to implement strict guidelines to ensure minimal environmental impact. The proposed framework includes:

GuidelinesDescription
NEERI ApprovalOnly green crackers certified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) will be allowed.
No Joint CrackersSale and manufacture of large firecrackers such as joint crackers and lardis will remain prohibited.
Licensed Traders OnlyFirecrackers to be sold exclusively through licensed physical shops.
Online Sales BanE-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, and others will be barred from selling crackers online.
Designated Sale AreasFirecrackers will be available only at approved locations to ensure safety and monitor compliance.
Time RestrictionsUsage may be limited to specific hours to reduce exposure and air pollution peaks.

These measures aim to strike a balance between festival traditions and environmental responsibility, allowing residents to celebrate Diwali while minimizing health hazards.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Firecrackers are a major source of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which exacerbate pollution and impact public health. Delhi-NCR faces severe air quality degradation every year during Diwali.

Impact Statistics:

  • Average PM2.5 during Diwali (2024): 330 μg/m³
  • WHO Safe Limit: 25 μg/m³
  • Increase in hospital visits for respiratory complaints: 20–25% during festive period
  • Mortality attributed to air pollution in Delhi-NCR (2023 estimate): ~15,000 deaths annually

Green crackers are designed to reduce these pollutants, emitting 30–35% less smoke, but experts caution that overuse or high quantities may still cause harmful spikes in air pollution. The Supreme Court’s guidelines, if implemented, will likely include monitoring air quality and restricting cracker sales to ensure a controlled festive environment.

Public and Government Response

The potential relaxation has received mixed reactions:

  • Residents and Traders: Many welcome the decision, emphasizing cultural significance and economic benefits for small businesses.
  • Environmentalists: Caution remains high, urging limited and responsible usage to prevent air quality deterioration.
  • Government Agencies: Delhi, Haryana, and NCR authorities are preparing enforcement strategies, including monitoring shops, preventing illegal sales, and promoting awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s indication of a possible relaxation of the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali 2025 marks a critical intersection of tradition, environmental responsibility, and public health. While the Court has not delivered its final verdict, the discussions around green crackers, restricted sales, and monitoring mechanisms demonstrate a careful approach toward reducing pollution while allowing citizens to celebrate festivals. Residents and businesses alike are eagerly awaiting the decision, which could redefine Diwali celebrations in the region.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All views are based on available news reports and public information as of the publication date. Guidelines and regulations are subject to change based on the Supreme Court’s final verdict and government notifications.