SUPREME COURT SEEKS CONTROLLED DIWALI FIREWORKS THROUGH FIXED HOURS INSTEAD OF BLANKET BAN

September 30, 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it would not impose a complete ban on firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali season, while also ruling out unrestricted use throughout the day.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said a regulated approach was necessary, with specific time windows to be prescribed for the use of permitted firecrackers. The court noted that unrestricted fireworks could have significant effects on air quality and vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people and those who are unwell.

The court is also examining which categories of firecrackers can be permitted. It has considered proposals concerning next-generation green crackers and joint firecrackers, subject to safety, noise and emission requirements.

The Central Pollution Control Board has been asked to provide further information on barium-based firecrackers. The Centre has been given time until October 15 to place the relevant assessment before the court, with outdoor testing of certain varieties still pending.

The proceedings form part of the Supreme Court's long-running consideration of firecracker regulation, particularly in Delhi and the National Capital Region, where seasonal deterioration in air quality has prompted repeated restrictions.

The court's latest approach seeks to establish defined conditions for festive fireworks rather than permitting either unrestricted use or an outright prohibition. Further directions on the permissible categories and timings are expected after the court considers the technical and environmental assessments.