Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday indicated that the ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will be temporarily relaxed for five days during Diwali, allowing citizens to celebrate with fireworks under regulated time limits. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, reserved its final order on the matter but said the relaxation will be on a trial basis this year.

Court permits time-bound celebrations

“For the time being, we will permit the ban lifting during Diwali,” the bench said. The decision comes after the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, urged the court to allow children and families to enjoy Diwali beyond the earlier restricted two-hour windows.

The government proposed strict time slots for firecracker usage:

  • 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and major festivals
  • 11:55 pm to 12:30 am on New Year’s Eve
  • One-hour slots in the morning and evening for Gurpurab

Additionally, firecrackers could be used for weddings and personal occasions, the Centre submitted.

Environmental concerns remain

Environmentalists and experts have expressed concerns over the move. Amicus Curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh highlighted that many so-called “green crackers” are sold under false labels, containing polluting chemicals similar to traditional fireworks.

Experts warn that the temporary spike in pollution caused by fireworks — even green variants, which reduce emissions by roughly one-third — could offset years of progress in improving air quality. Sunil Dahiya, founder of think-tank Envirocatalysts, said bursting firecrackers could set back air quality efforts by a decade, especially if meteorological conditions are unfavourable.

While Diwali celebrations contribute to short-term pollution spikes, experts emphasise that stubble burning, industrial emissions, transport, power generation, and construction remain the major contributors to Delhi’s poor air quality during this season.

Court and government balancing tradition and environment

The Supreme Court’s tentative relaxation aims to balance cultural celebrations with environmental concerns, confining firecracker use to regulated periods while encouraging citizens to remain mindful of pollution levels. The final verdict is expected to clarify the scope and duration of the relaxation for this Diwali.