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Supreme Court: No Firecracker Ban, But Limits Ahead
1 Oct
Summary
- Supreme Court will not impose a complete firecracker ban.
- New generation firecrackers with reduced emissions are permitted.
- Firecracker restrictions for Delhi-NCR deferred for joint hearing.
As Diwali approaches, the Supreme Court has indicated it will not impose a total ban on firecrackers, nor will it allow unrestricted use.
The court aims for a balanced solution, specifying permissible times and types of firecrackers. New generation joint firecrackers with smaller shells and longer burst times are recommended for approval, with studies by CSIR-NEERI suggesting significant reductions in emissions and waste. This approval is contingent on adherence to banned chemical restrictions and noise levels.
However, the court has postponed discussions on firecracker restrictions for Delhi-NCR. These issues will be heard alongside the M C Mehta vs Union of India case. The current hearing stems from the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India case, which aims to address air pollution from firecrackers.
CSIR-NEERI's interim report indicates that new firework formulations can achieve 45-60% reduction in particulate matter emissions. Further studies are underway in various cities, with completion expected by October 15, 2026. The government will present these findings to the court.
