SC Slams Open Sale of Firecrackers in Delhi Despite Strict Ban
The Supreme Court expresses alarm over the open sale of firecrackers in Delhi markets despite strict bans and specific guidelines.
The Supreme Court of India has expressed grave concern over the blatant and open sale of firecrackers in Delhi markets, noting that these violations are occurring just one day after the court issued restrictive orders to curb pollution. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a bench consisting of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale took a stern view of the situation after a newspaper report, supported by photographic evidence, revealed that unauthorized firecrackers were being sold openly across the city.
Court Orders Immediate Investigation
Reacting to the evidence of non-compliance, the court directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati—representing the Central government, the Delhi government, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)—to urgently investigate these violations. The court's frustration stems from the fact that strict guidelines were put in place specifically to manage air quality during the festive season.
The Strict Window for Green Crackers
The court has established a very narrow and regulated window for the use of firecrackers. According to the judicial directives:
- Sale Period: Only certified green firecrackers are permitted for sale between November 4 and November 6, 2026.
- Bursting Window: The bursting of these approved crackers is limited strictly to November 7 and 8.
- Permitted Timings: Firecrackers can only be burst from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Total Ban: A comprehensive ban on all firecracker activity will be reinstated starting November 9, 2026.
Verification and Prohibited Items
To prevent the sale of illegal and highly polluting crackers, the Supreme Court has mandated a rigorous certification process. All permitted firecrackers must be certified by CSIR-NEERI and PESO. To ensure authenticity, every product box must feature a non-transferable QR code, allowing authorities to verify the origin of the product.
The court has explicitly prohibited the following:
- Any firecrackers containing barium.
- 'Laris' (crackers joined in series).
- Any other unapproved or non-certified items.
Silence Zones and Enforcement
Beyond the type of crackers used, the court has also focused on the location of their use. The bursting of firecrackers is strictly banned within a 300-metre radius of:
- Hospitals and healthcare centers.
- Educational institutions.
- Old-age homes.
- Designated silence zones.
Crackdown on Smuggling and Sales
To ensure these rules are not bypassed, the Supreme Court has ordered a coordinated effort among enforcement agencies. The Delhi Police, along with police forces from neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, have been instructed to conduct rigorous inspections. This includes verifying QR codes on products and monitoring vehicles entering the National Capital Region (NCR) to stop the illegal transport of banned crackers. Violators will be dealt with under the Environment Protection Act and Noise Pollution Rules.