Supreme Court issues strict rules for green crackers in Delhi-NCR, total ban again from Nov 9

The Supreme Court has issued detailed guidelines regarding the sale and use of certified green crackers on the occasion of Diwali in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The court has clarified that these crackers can only be burst during the designated time slots on November 7 and 8—from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Following this period, the complete ban on crackers will come back into effect from November 9.

A two-judge bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale stated in the ruling that ruining the natural atmosphere to such an extent that the well-being of humans and other living beings is endangered defeats the very purpose of celebrating festivals. The court clarified that the right to religious freedom cannot override citizens' right to health and living in a pollution-free environment.

The court has allowed the sale of crackers certified by CSIR-NEERI and PESO from November 2 to November 6. Traders' previously cancelled licences will be temporarily restored from November 4 to November 6, but in the event of any violation of rules, these licences will be deemed cancelled immediately.

The apex court has imposed a complete ban on string crackers and crackers containing barium mixture. A special QR code displaying the manufacturer's and approval details will be mandatory on every sealed box put up for sale. Along with this, any kind of sale of crackers through online platforms will be strictly prohibited.

District magistrates and district police chiefs have been asked to designate specific locations for the sale of green crackers through mutual coordination. A heavy security deposit will also be collected from manufacturers and traders, which will be confiscated if conditions are breached. Vehicles will be checked at borders to prevent illegal crackers from entering the area.

A 300-meter radius around hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, schools, and old age homes has been declared a firecracker-free zone. The Pollution Control Board has been directed to record daily air quality data before Diwali, on Diwali days, and until November 30. The administration has to submit a compliance affidavit in court by December 14, and the next hearing on this matter will be on December 16.

Key developments

• Permission to burst green crackers only between 6 to 7 AM and 8 to 10 PM on November 7 and 8
• Complete ban on crackers in Delhi-NCR to be re-imposed from November 9
• Only certified green crackers can be sold at designated special locations till November 6
• Complete prohibition on online sales, cracker strings, and barium-containing material
• Prohibition on bursting crackers within a 300-meter area of health centers, hospitals, and schools