The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, including green crackers, citing concerns over rising pollution levels ahead of Diwali. However, the court permitted licensed manufacturers with approvals from NEERI and PESO to continue production, with the condition that none of their products be sold in the region.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai observed that while curbing pollution is essential, an absolute ban on manufacturing across the country was neither “practical nor ideal.” The court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to hold consultations with the Delhi government, manufacturers, and other stakeholders before taking a final decision. The matter will be heard again on October 8, when the Centre is expected to file a detailed report.
The ruling comes amid heightened concerns about Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Last November, the city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494, with thick smog engulfing the capital and leaving thousands exposed to severe health risks. In April this year, a bench led by Justice A. S. Oka had also refused to relax the NCR ban, noting that those working on the streets were the worst affected by prolonged exposure to pollution.
The decision has triggered political reactions, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the BJP of double standards. “Will the BJP criticise the Supreme Court’s cracker ban now? Their leaders used to claim they would burst crackers despite restrictions. The people of Delhi are watching the difference between their words and actions,” AAP Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said.
