New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- The Supreme Court on Monday refrained from passing any directions on the existing firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali, asking the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider suggestions on the issue before the matter is taken up again on October 15.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the court would need to exercise caution before modifying the restrictions, emphasising public awareness and responsible celebrations over coercive measures. The existing ban remains unchanged for now, with any possible relaxation to be considered after the CAQM submits its view.
During the hearing in the suo motu case concerning air pollution and solid waste management in Delhi-NCR, the CJI suggested that authorities educate people about the harmful effects of different firecrackers and encourage celebrations involving diyas. He also said information could be issued on limiting firecracker use to specified hours and restricting the sale of more polluting varieties.
The CJI observed that restrictive orders could be perceived as coercive and said there was sufficient time before the festival to appeal to people to celebrate responsibly without hurting religious sentiments.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the central concern was public health and sought clarity on the pollution impact of burning a specified quantity of firecrackers within a given period.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing in the matter, opposed even a limited relaxation, arguing that the health of children, elderly people and those with illnesses must take precedence. She questioned whether restrictions limited to one or two hours could be effectively enforced and urged the court to leave the decision to the CAQM.
Senior advocate J Sai Deepak, representing a federation of firework traders, said the traders were willing to accept a compromise. Additional Solicitor General Bhati informed the court about earlier permissions allowing firecracker use in Delhi during specified hours. The court had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR in December 2024. In October 2025, it permitted certified green crackers during designated hours and dates.
The next hearing on October 15 is expected to clarify whether any relaxation will be permitted
this Diwali.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.