3 hrs ago
Supreme Court Signals Timed Diwali Firecracker Use, Rejects Blanket Ban
The Supreme Court is deciding how people can use firecrackers during Diwali.
It said it does not want to ban all firecrackers.
It also does not want people to burst them all day and night.
The court is considering allowing approved firecrackers during fixed hours.
It is also considering allowing a type called “larri,” but only with conditions.
Officials are studying whether barium-based firecrackers should be allowed.
The Central Pollution Control Board must submit a report by October 15.
The court wants to balance Diwali celebrations with cleaner air and protection for children, older people and those who are sick.
The Supreme Court indicated it would allow some firecrackers during Diwali only within specified time limits.
The bench rejected both a total ban and unrestricted 24-hour bursting of firecrackers.
The court said it was inclined to allow joint firecrackers, or “larri,” subject to conditions.
The Central Pollution Control Board has until October 15 to submit its report on barium-based firecrackers.
The court will decide which firecracker categories may be permitted after considering the report and environmental concerns.
- Who
- The Supreme Court bench of Justices M. M. Sundresh and P. B. Varale, with submissions from Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and the Central Pollution Control Board.
- What
- The court is considering fixed timings and conditions for the use of permissible firecrackers, while rejecting both a blanket ban and 24-hour use.
- Where
- The matter concerns Delhi-NCR and other northern states affected by severe air pollution.
- When
- The indication was given on Wednesday; the Central Pollution Control Board was given until October 15 to submit its report.
- Why
- The court is seeking to balance Diwali celebrations and public sentiment with environmental protection and the health of children, elderly people and sick people.
Environmental and Health Protection
Diwali Celebration Access
Extent of restriction
Environmental and Health Protection
Supporters of tighter restrictions emphasize severe air pollution and potential harm to children, elderly people and sick people from unrestricted firecracker use.
Diwali Celebration Access
The court noted that a complete ban could hurt the sentiments of people celebrating Diwali.
Permitted use
Environmental and Health Protection
Firecracker use should be limited to approved categories and specific time periods, with conditions where necessary.
Diwali Celebration Access
People should be allowed to use certain permissible firecrackers during Diwali rather than face a total prohibition.
Key facts
- Court position
- The court indicated it would not impose a total ban or allow firecracker use for 24 hours.
- Possible timing rule
- Permissible firecrackers could be restricted to specific hours during Diwali.
- Joint firecrackers
- The bench indicated it was inclined to allow “larri” subject to conditions.
- CPCB report
- The Central Pollution Control Board must submit its report on barium-based firecrackers by October 15.
- Pending decision
- The court will consider the report before deciding which categories of firecrackers may be permitted.
- Case background
- The proceedings arise from a 2015 case involving restrictions on the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers.
- Earlier position
- The court had previously imposed a blanket prohibition in Delhi and later permitted approved green firecrackers during a limited Diwali period in 2025.
Quotes
Supreme Court bench
The Supreme Court bench hearing the firecracker restrictions case
“We are neither going to agree for a total ban nor allow them to do it for 24 hours”
businesstoday.in
republicworld.com
“We are inclined to accept the suggestions made”
businesstoday.in
republicworld.com
Sources
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