Diwali 2026: SC Sets Strict Rules for Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR
Supreme Court sets strict timings and rules for green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali 2026. Find out the permitted hours and banned items.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to regulate the celebration of Diwali 2026 in the Delhi-NCR region, issuing a detailed directive on the use of green firecrackers Delhi-NCR residents may use. A bench consisting of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale has granted limited permission for the use of certified green crackers, aiming to balance festive traditions with the urgent need to control air pollution.
Strict Timings and Dates
The Court has been very specific about when the skies can light up. Permission to burst certified green firecrackers is granted exclusively for two days: November 7 and November 8, 2026. Even on these dates, the activity is restricted to two narrow time windows:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- Evening: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Once the clock strikes midnight on November 8, a complete ban on all firecracker activities will resume across the entire region starting from November 9, 2026.
The 'No-Go' Zones and Banned Items
To protect the vulnerable, the Supreme Court has established strict "silence zones." Firecrackers are absolutely prohibited within a 300-meter radius of the following institutions:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Primary and district health centers
- Old-age homes
- Educational institutions
Beyond location, certain types of crackers are completely banned regardless of the timing. The Court has prohibited any firecrackers containing barium, as well as joined series crackers, commonly known as 'ladis' and garlands.
Certification and Verification: The QR Code Mandate
To prevent the sale of counterfeit or polluting crackers, the Court has mandated a rigorous certification process. Only products certified by the CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are allowed.
In a move to ensure transparency, every box of permitted firecrackers must feature a unique, non-transferable QR code. This code will allow authorities and consumers to verify the batch and test data of the product.
Retail Restrictions and Penalties
The Supreme Court has cracked down on how these fireworks are sold. Online sales remain strictly prohibited. Retail sales are only permitted at locations specifically authorized by the respective district authorities.
To ensure compliance, manufacturers and traders are now required to submit a monetary security deposit. This amount will be forfeited if the parties are found to be in violation of the court's directives.
Monitoring and Accountability
The primary goal of this regulated approach is to dismantle the illegal market for conventional, highly polluting firecrackers. To ensure the rules are followed, authorities have been tasked with:
- Continuous monitoring of air quality levels.
- Inspecting vehicles to seize any illegal stocks of banned crackers.
Furthermore, the Court has demanded accountability regarding the health impact of the festivities, requiring a detailed report on post-festival hospital admissions to be submitted by December 14, 2026.