The Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers throughout the year, effective immediately. This ban includes online sales and deliveries. The government said this move is part of efforts to reduce the rising air pollution levels in the city.

The government also informed the Supreme Court that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV had been reinstated because of the "drastic increase" in air pollution in the National Capital Territory (NCT).

The Delhi government has passed a ban on firecrackers under the Environment Protection Act. The order was issued on Thursday by the Principal Secretary of Environment. Senior Advocate Shadaan Farasat, speaking on behalf of the Delhi government, told the Supreme Court that the decision was made because of the high pollution levels in the city. The court, led by Justices A S Oka and A G Masih, was hearing a case related to air pollution in Delhi.

Other NCR states urged to follow Delhi's lead

The Supreme Court was told that Rajasthan has imposed a similar ban on firecrackers in the part of the state that falls within the National Capital Region (NCR). In response, the court directed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to introduce a similar ban in their areas, following Delhi’s example.

On November 11, the Supreme Court had asked the Delhi government to decide whether it would extend the firecracker ban year-round, emphasising that “the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen that is protected by Article 21 of the Constitution of India."

Objection from firecracker dealers

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing over 150 firecracker dealers in the NCR objected to the Delhi government’s decision, stating that there had been “no consultation at all.” He also pointed out that the Supreme Court’s previous order allowed the sale and use of "green crackers." However, the court did not entertain this argument. Justice Oka remarked, "We will examine what is the effect of the use of green crackers." In response, Farasat clarified, “Green crackers, really speaking, are the same crackers.”

GRAP Stage-IV restrictions continue in Delhi

As air pollution levels in Delhi remain high, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed GRAP Stage-IV restrictions. The Supreme Court pointed out that it had already ordered all NCR states to provide a subsistence allowance to workers affected by these restrictions.

The court directed that NCR states identify which workers are impacted by the GRAP-4 measures, adding that they should not "rely upon the technicality of registration on the portal." The bench also warned that if state governments do not comply with the order regarding subsistence allowances, action could be taken against them under "the contempt of 1971." State governments have been asked to file a response to the Supreme Court by January 3.

The court further instructed NCR states to form teams made up of police officials, revenue officers, and officials from other departments. These teams will be tasked with visiting entry points into the city and ensuring compliance with GRAP 4 measures.

The bench emphasised the importance of creating multiple teams, saying, "Considering the magnitude of the task, all the NCR states shall create multiple teams." It added, "Members of the teams so constituted will work as officers of this court and not officers of any government."

These teams will regularly submit reports on compliance and breaches of GRAP 4 measures to the relevant authorities and the court, ensuring swift action can be taken. The court stressed that the teams will act as "officers of this court" to help address Delhi’s growing pollution crisis.