The Supreme Court on Monday explored measures to regulate the sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, suggesting that only less-polluting varieties could be made available in the market and calling for public awareness campaigns to encourage people to celebrate in a manner that minimises air and noise pollution.
The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana heard the matter. During the proceedings, the Court suggested that awareness material could be published to encourage people to use firecrackers sparingly and restrict their use to specified hours.
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“You can start publishing some literature, some material, and you can make an earnest appeal to the people to use it (firecrackers) minimum and during particular hours, so that there is no noise pollution, there is no air pollution. And you can also ensure in the market that what kind of crackers are made available. Those which are very harmful, their sales can
During the hearing, counsel referred to the Supreme Court’s October 15, 2025 order, submitting that the Court had adopted a balanced approach by permitting the sale of only specified categories of firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), subject to restrictions on the timing of sale and use.
Counsel submitted that the previous arrangement was an interim measure and urged the Court to consider the issue afresh before the upcoming festive season. It was also submitted that the restrictions should be examined in consultation with the Union Government and the amicus curiae before any fresh order is passed.
Concerns were raised about the pollution generated when large quantities of firecrackers are burst within a short period, as well as the practical difficulties of enforcing time-bound restrictions.
Counsel urged the Court to refer the issue to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), highlighting the health risks posed to children, elderly persons and those who are infirm.
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“It is very nice to say and it sounds really nice in court that it is only two hours, it is one hour. I am sorry, your Lordships also know that it is not implemented and it is impossible for cops to be in every street all the time,” amicus submitted.
The submission emphasised that restrictions must be workable on the ground and that the likely pollution load from firecracker use should be assessed before deciding on an appropriate regulatory approach.
The Court agreed that CAQM, as the expert statutory body, should examine the suggestions. Counsel indicated that recommendations would be submitted to the Commission for consideration.
On balancing religious sentiments with the health consequences of firecracker use, Counsel argued that bursting crackers should not be equated with religious worship.
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“Firecracker is not part of religion. Worship is. Firecracker is not. Gods would be aghast if they know that children are suffering and getting sick in their name.”
On broader pollution-control measures ahead of winter, a request was made for CAQM to file an updated report detailing preventive action taken to address air pollution and the measures planned for the coming season.
The Court issued no directions on the matter, asking instead that suggestions be submitted to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its consideration. The matter will be taken up again on October 15.