Green Crackers Get the Go-Ahead: Supreme Court Balances Tradition and Environment in NCR Diwali Order.


15 October 2025
On 15 October 2025, India's Supreme Court passed a landmark order in the pending writ petition by M.C. Mehta, relating to environmental protection and public health during the Diwali festival. The order, read by the Chief Justice of India and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, allows the limited use of eco-friendly green crackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) between 18 October to 20 October 2025. The short-term relaxation is intended to harmonize cultural traditions with environmental protection as part of continued efforts to prevent pollution.

The Court ordered that the green crackers may be sold only at specific and well-placed locations within the NCR, which would be decided on by the District Collectors and Commissioners after consulting the local police authorities. For ensuring compliance, patrolling groups consisting of police officers and members from State Pollution Control Boards will patrol such points. They will keep the sale under watch, scan for QR codes associated with registered manufacturers and confiscate banned crackers on the spot.


 

 

The regulation imposes severe limitations on the time for the use of crackers, limiting it to particular hours in advance and at the time of Diwali (6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM). It specifically prohibits firecrackers with harmful chemical ingredients like barium, series (laris) sold firecrackers, and online sales of fireworks. Any contravention will invite penalties in the form of cancellation of manufacturer licences.

In addition, the Court directed the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to check air quality indexes strenuously from 14 October to 25 October 2025 with periodic reports submitted to the Court. This phased and controlled manner is a testament to the Court's dedication to saving the environment responsibly while being considerate of cultural traditions.

The Court explained that this relief is test case basis and will be observed to decide future course of action. Further instructions and updates will be taken into account after three weeks.