The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during this year’s Diwali celebrations, relaxing the existing ban on a trial basis.

A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran approved a joint plea by the Centre and the Delhi government seeking permission to allow the use of green firecrackers.

However, the court clarified that the relaxation is being granted only as a test case.

According to officials quoted by PTI, multiple patrolling teams under various agencies will ensure that only firecrackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are sold and used.

The firecrackers must carry valid QR codes, and bursting will be permitted only on fixed days and timings. Temporary licences will be issued to around 140 PESO-certified retailers in Delhi for the sale of approved firecrackers.

“We need public cooperation because only QR-coded green crackers will be allowed. Those without QR codes will be confiscated and licences suspended,” PTI quoted BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa as saying.

What’s Allowed This Diwali

  • The sale of green firecrackers is permitted from October 18 to 20 only.
  • Firecrackers can be burst on October 19 and 20 (Diwali days) between 6 am–7 am and 8 pm–10 pm.
  • Only NEERI-approved green crackers may be sold, purchased, or used.
  • Sales restricted to traders with valid or revalidated temporary licences.

What’s Not Allowed

High-emission and barium-based firecrackers, as well as Ladi firecrackers, remain banned.

  • No roadside or unlicensed sales.
  • Bursting beyond the permitted hours is prohibited.
  • Shops selling uncertified firecrackers may face closure.
  • Import of crackers from outside Delhi-NCR is not allowed.
  • Online sales via Amazon, Flipkart, or other e-commerce platforms are banned.