The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed people in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to burst green firecrackers during Diwali, but only for a limited time. According to the court’s order, firecrackers can be burst between 6 am and 7 am, and again from 8 pm to 10 pm. This temporary permission will be in effect from October 18 to 21.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai explained that crackers are often smuggled into Delhi-NCR and cause more harm than certified green firecrackers. He said that a balanced approach was necessary,  allowing celebrations in moderation while protecting the environment.

The Supreme Court bench, which included Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, clarified that only certified green crackers with QR codes can be sold and burst, and this must happen in designated locations. The court warned that strict action would be taken against those who violate these rules.

Police have been directed to form patrol teams to regularly check firecracker manufacturers and ensure that QR codes are valid. Any crackers brought from outside Delhi-NCR will not be allowed for sale, and the licences of sellers violating this rule will be suspended.The court also asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) from October 14 to October 21. CPCB and other pollution control boards in the NCR will submit reports after this period.

Earlier, on October 10, the Supreme Court had reserved its orders on petitions from the Centre and the Delhi government seeking permission to manufacture and sell green crackers in the capital during the festive season. The Centre had proposed limited relaxation windows not only for Diwali, but also for Christmas and Guru Purab, with restricted timings, such as 11:55 pm to 12:50 am on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Delhi has a history of strict rules on firecrackers to control air pollution. In July 2025, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) announced a year-round ban on manufacturing, storing, selling, and bursting all types of firecrackers. Earlier, the Supreme Court had also imposed a year-long blanket ban, including green crackers.

In 2024, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government imposed a similar ban during Diwali. The BJP had opposed it at the time, calling it against the sentiments of Delhi residents. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had promised that if the BJP came to power in Delhi, the ban would be lifted.

What are Green crackers?

Green crackers are a type of firecracker designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional ones. They are made using special chemicals that produce less smoke and fewer harmful gases, helping to reduce air pollution during festivals like Diwali. These crackers are usually quieter, which also helps lower noise pollution.

To ensure safety and authenticity, green crackers often come with QR codes for verification. Governments allow their sale and use only in designated areas and for specific times to control pollution levels. While they are not completely pollution-free, green crackers are intended to let people celebrate festivals while minimising health risks and environmental impact.