Supreme Court Flags Sale of Banned Firecrackers in Delhi NCR, Reiterates Green Crackers Only Rule
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over reports that conventional and unauthorised firecrackers are being openly sold in Delhi and the National Capital Region despite restrictions imposed ahead of Diwali 2026. The court has asked the Centre to look into the reported violations and ensure that its directions on the sale and use of firecrackers are properly implemented.
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale referred to a newspaper report published on November 3, which highlighted the alleged availability of different varieties of firecrackers in Delhi markets. The report raised questions about whether traders were complying with the court's conditions, including the requirement that only certified green crackers should be sold.
The court's intervention comes a day after it announced temporary permission for the manufacture, sale and use of approved green firecrackers in Delhi NCR during a limited period around Diwali.
Supreme Court Questions Reported Violations
During the proceedings, the bench referred to photographs and information in the newspaper report showing firecrackers being displayed and sold in local markets. The report alleged that conventional crackers and products with questionable certification details were available despite the restrictions.
Justice M M Sundresh asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to take note of the report and look into the matter. The court expressed concern that different types of firecrackers appeared to be available in shops despite its recent directions.
The issue is significant because the court's temporary relaxation was introduced with strict conditions intended to prevent the sale of conventional firecrackers under the label of green crackers.
The court has repeatedly emphasised the importance of enforcement. Its latest intervention highlights concerns that restrictions will have limited impact if manufacturers, traders and local authorities do not follow the prescribed rules.
Only Certified Green Crackers Allowed
Under the Supreme Court's November 2 order, only green crackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation are permitted.
Manufacturers with valid approvals can produce only those green crackers listed on the CSIR NEERI website during the permitted manufacturing period from November 2 to November 6.
The court has also directed that every authorised firecracker box must carry a product-specific QR code. The code should provide details that help verify the manufacturer, registration, licence and relevant product certification.
The packaging must remain properly sealed to prevent authorised green crackers from being mixed with conventional or unauthorised products. Traders are not permitted to sell products that do not meet the certification requirements.
The court has also prohibited the manufacture and sale of firecrackers containing barium, as well as joined firecrackers commonly known as laris and garlands. Products that have not received the required green cracker approval are also prohibited.
Sale Permitted Only at Designated Locations
The Supreme Court has restricted the sale of approved green crackers to locations specifically identified by the district administration. District collectors and commissioners, in consultation with the concerned police authorities, have been directed to identify and designate suitable sale points across Delhi NCR.
The temporary permission for sale is applicable from November 4 to November 6. Firecracker sales at unauthorised locations are prohibited, and online sales are not permitted.
The court has also directed authorities to monitor the designated markets and take action against manufacturers or traders who violate the conditions. Police and district administration teams are expected to conduct inspections and prevent the circulation of unauthorised products.
Traders whose licences were previously cancelled have been allowed to have them temporarily restored for the permitted sale period. However, the licences can be cancelled again if the traders are found violating the court's directions.
Fixed Timings for Bursting Green Crackers
The court has permitted the bursting of certified green crackers in Delhi NCR only on November 7 and November 8, 2026.
The permitted time slots on both days are from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm. Bursting firecrackers outside these hours is not allowed under the temporary relaxation.
The court has also directed that fireworks must not be used within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. Educational institutions are also covered by the restrictions.
These locations must be identified and declared as no-cracker zones. Authorities have been directed to make the restrictions clear to the public and ensure compliance.
The temporary permission will end after November 8. The complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi NCR will be restored from November 9, 2026.
Authorities Asked to Strengthen Enforcement
The Supreme Court has directed authorities to take steps to prevent violations by manufacturers and traders. The court has also called for monetary security to be obtained from manufacturers and traders, with the amount to be determined by the relevant authorities.
The security amount will be forfeited if a manufacturer or trader violates the court's directions or applicable regulations. This measure is intended to make businesses more accountable for the products they manufacture, store and sell.
Authorities have also been directed to coordinate inspections, verify QR codes and prevent unauthorised firecrackers from entering the market. Products found to be illegal or in violation of the court's conditions are liable to be confiscated, with further legal action against those responsible.
The court has also stressed the importance of monitoring air quality and assessing the environmental and health impact of firecracker use.
Background to the Green Crackers Restrictions
The Supreme Court has been examining the environmental and health impact of firecrackers in Delhi NCR for several years. The proceedings arise from concerns about air pollution and its effects on children, older people and individuals with respiratory or other health vulnerabilities.
The court has previously imposed restrictions and considered measures to reduce pollution from fireworks. However, it has expressed concern that the implementation of earlier directions has not been effective enough.
In its recent order, the court noted that a complete ban had not entirely prevented the illegal sale of conventional firecrackers. It also observed that the restrictions had affected the availability of legitimate green crackers that had undergone testing and certification.
The court has therefore adopted a temporary regulatory approach for Diwali 2026, allowing limited access to approved green crackers while retaining strict conditions on manufacturing, sale, storage and use.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court's latest observations place renewed responsibility on the Centre, Delhi government, district administrations and police authorities to enforce the restrictions. The reported availability of conventional firecrackers has raised questions about market inspections and the verification of product certification.
Residents of Delhi NCR should check that any permitted green crackers carry valid product-specific QR codes and are purchased only from designated sale locations during the authorised period.
The temporary permission applies only to certified green crackers and does not allow the sale or use of conventional or unauthorised firecrackers. The restrictions on timing and no-cracker zones must also be followed.
The court is expected to examine compliance reports and information on enforcement measures in the coming weeks. Its directions make clear that the temporary relaxation for Diwali does not mean that the general restrictions have been withdrawn.
With the complete ban scheduled to return from November 9, the coming days will be important in determining whether authorities can effectively prevent unauthorised sales and ensure that the court's conditions are followed across Delhi NCR.
