The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled out a complete ban on firecrackers for this year's Diwali, signalling instead that it is inclined to permit time-bound use of next-generation green firecrackers that meet stricter emission and noise standards.
The indication came during a hearing on September 30 in the long-running air-quality case. The bench observed that a blanket prohibition was not on the table, but made clear that incessant, unrestricted bursting of crackers would not be allowed either. The court has been moving toward a calibrated middle path — allowing regulated celebration while keeping pollution in check.
Conditions under discussion
The court's tentative framework centres on next-generation green crackers with reduced emissions. Among the conditions discussed were manufacture only by duly licensed makers, noise ceilings of 125 dB(A) and 145 dB(C) at peak, exclusion of banned chemicals, and restriction to categories recommended by CSIR-NEERI. The bench also recorded that it was inclined to accept a suggestion to permit joint firecrackers — "larri", strings of individual crackers linked by a single fuse — subject to these conditions.
Decision on barium-based crackers deferred
The Additional Solicitor General sought time until October 15 to place the Central Pollution Control Board's report on barium-based firecrackers on record, noting that outdoor testing of such crackers has not yet been conducted. The court granted the extension and will take up the issue on October 15.
Background of the case
The matter traces back to a 2015 petition filed by three minors, including Arjun Gopal, who sought a complete nationwide ban on the sale and use of firecrackers, citing severe air-quality and health risks — particularly for children and the elderly. Ahead of Diwali 2025, the court had permitted approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR subject to conditions and specified hours. Legal observers note that Wednesday's observations are an indication rather than a final order — the exact framework should not be treated as settled until the detailed order is issued.
Sources: Supreme Court: Won't impose complete ban, won't allow incessant fireworks either | Supreme Court Diwali 2026 firecracker rules: green crackers | Supreme Court rejects complete firecracker ban, allows specified next-gen green crackers
The indication came during a hearing on September 30 in the long-running air-quality case. The bench observed that a blanket prohibition was not on the table, but made clear that incessant, unrestricted bursting of crackers would not be allowed either. The court has been moving toward a calibrated middle path — allowing regulated celebration while keeping pollution in check.
Conditions under discussion
The court's tentative framework centres on next-generation green crackers with reduced emissions. Among the conditions discussed were manufacture only by duly licensed makers, noise ceilings of 125 dB(A) and 145 dB(C) at peak, exclusion of banned chemicals, and restriction to categories recommended by CSIR-NEERI. The bench also recorded that it was inclined to accept a suggestion to permit joint firecrackers — "larri", strings of individual crackers linked by a single fuse — subject to these conditions.
Decision on barium-based crackers deferred
The Additional Solicitor General sought time until October 15 to place the Central Pollution Control Board's report on barium-based firecrackers on record, noting that outdoor testing of such crackers has not yet been conducted. The court granted the extension and will take up the issue on October 15.
Background of the case
The matter traces back to a 2015 petition filed by three minors, including Arjun Gopal, who sought a complete nationwide ban on the sale and use of firecrackers, citing severe air-quality and health risks — particularly for children and the elderly. Ahead of Diwali 2025, the court had permitted approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR subject to conditions and specified hours. Legal observers note that Wednesday's observations are an indication rather than a final order — the exact framework should not be treated as settled until the detailed order is issued.
Sources: Supreme Court: Won't impose complete ban, won't allow incessant fireworks either | Supreme Court Diwali 2026 firecracker rules: green crackers | Supreme Court rejects complete firecracker ban, allows specified next-gen green crackers
