Supreme Court Greenlights Eco-Friendly Firecrackers for Diwali in Delhi-NCR

Supreme Court's Ruling on Firecrackers Ahead of Diwali

New Delhi: As Diwali approaches, the Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) during specific hours on November 7 and 8, allowing them from 6 to 7 am and again from 8 to 10 pm.

This year, Diwali is celebrated on November 8.

A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale has mandated that no fireworks can be set off within a 300-meter radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centers, old-age homes, and designated silence zones.

The court emphasized that the previous total ban on firecrackers will be reinstated starting November 9, 2026.

Manufacturers of firecrackers must hold valid certifications for green crackers from CSIR-NEERI and PESO, and they are allowed to produce only those green crackers listed on the CSIR-NEERI website from November 2 to November 6, 2026.

Additionally, the court has prohibited the manufacture and sale of series-connected firecrackers ('ladis') and garlands.

Firecrackers containing Barium and those not certified as green by CSIR-NEERI will not be allowed.

Authorities in Delhi-NCR have been instructed to take measures to curb the distribution of illegal and traditional firecrackers.