SC considers lifting firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR for Diwali
What's the story
The Supreme Court of India is considering lifting the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) for Diwali celebrations. A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, said it will decide on relaxing the ban for five days during Diwali. The decision comes amid concerns over air quality and pollution levels during the festival season.
Proposal details
Centre proposes strict time limits for bursting firecrackers
The Centre has proposed strict time limits for bursting firecrackers during Diwali and other major festivals. These include 8:00pm to 10:00pm on Diwali, 11:55pm to 12:30am on New Year's Eve, and one-hour slots morning and evening for Gurpurab. The government also suggested allowing firecrackers for weddings and personal celebrations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that children should not be restricted to two hours of celebration, saying, "It is a matter of a few days on Diwali."
Previous ruling
Court to revisit 2018 'green' firecracker judgment
The court said it would revisit the 2018 judgment in Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, which allowed "green" firecrackers with reduced emissions and noise levels. Chief Justice Gavai asked if there had been any significant change in air quality since then. Amicus Curiae advocate Uttara Babbar cited a report showing post-Diwali pollution levels dipped when bans were in place, but Solicitor-General Mehta argued no conclusive data links firecrackers to pollution spikes.
Enforcement issues
Concerns raised over 'fake green crackers'
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh raised concerns about "fake green crackers" being sold under false labels. The court also discussed the lack of a chemical testing laboratory in NCR by PESO, relying on FSL for sample analysis. Chief Justice Gavai acknowledged this limitation but directed the Delhi government to establish proper testing immediately. Justice Chandran suggested taking random samples due to time constraints, while Babbar highlighted the misuse of product-specific QR codes introduced for monitoring compliance with NEERI-approved limits.
Compliance assurance
Manufacturers willing to sell green crackers through designated outlets
Senior advocate K Parameshwar assured compliance with regulations, saying manufacturers were willing to sell green crackers through designated outlets. He argued against the April 3 ban order affecting Haryana's districts without consultation. Advocate Sai Deepak contended that the issue had become an "industry-based" concern affecting neighboring states too. The court had earlier imposed a year-long ban on firecrackers in Delhi and adjoining regions, noting that short-term prohibitions serve little purpose without effective enforcement mechanisms.