New Delhi, October 15, 2025: In a significant move balancing environmental concerns with livelihood issues, the Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale of green firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 18 to 21, 2025.
The court clarified that the use of green firecrackers will be restricted to October 19 and 20, during two specific time windows — 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A “Balanced Approach” Between Health and Livelihood
A Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran described the decision as a “test case” to assess whether a regulated framework could coexist with air pollution control efforts. The judges said that while pollution poses a serious public health risk, an absolute ban on firecrackers during the festive season had led to illegal sales and smuggling of traditional firecrackers, worsening pollution levels.
“We have to take a balanced approach, permitting in moderation while not compromising environmental concerns,” the Bench observed.
The court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor air and water quality between October 14 and 25 and submit a detailed Air Quality Index (AQI) report.
Strict Guidelines for Sale and Use
Under the court’s directions:
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Firecrackers can be sold only at designated points approved by district authorities.
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Only products with QR codes approved by NEERI can be sold, ensuring traceability and authenticity.
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The QR codes will be available for public verification on the NEERI website.
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Patrolling teams will conduct random inspections to ensure compliance.
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Violators will face penalties, and licences or registrations may be cancelled by PESO or NEERI.
The sale of banned items containing barium or firecrackers not approved by NEERI remains strictly prohibited. Any non-compliant items found will be confiscated immediately.
The court also prohibited:
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Import or entry of firecrackers from outside NCR.
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Online sales via e-commerce platforms.
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Manufacture of laris (firecrackers joined in series).
Court Revisits Previous Ban
The decision marks a partial relaxation of the year-long ban imposed in April 2025 by another bench, which had halted the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the national capital.
Petitioners, including the Federation of Fireworks Traders, the Association of Fireworks (Haryana), and the Indic Collective Trust, argued that the blanket ban lacked scientific backing, claiming that stubble burning and vehicular emissions were far more significant contributors to Delhi’s smog.
Last month, the apex court had allowed manufacturers with valid NEERI and PESO certifications to resume production of green firecrackers, while continuing to restrict their sale in the NCR pending new regulations.
Way Forward
The Bench noted that this temporary relaxation will help determine whether regulated sales of eco-friendly firecrackers can coexist with ongoing anti-pollution efforts. It also directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enhance its monitoring system amid reports of QR code misuse and unauthorised manufacturing.
The outcome of this “test case” could shape future policies on firecracker use in India — striking a balance between festive traditions, public health, and sustainable practices.
