New Delhi: The Supreme Court has indicated that it will not impose a blanket ban on firecrackers ahead of Diwali but will also not permit their use throughout the day. The court is considering specified hours and conditional use of certain next-generation green crackers.

What did the Supreme Court say?

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said on Wednesday that a balance would have to be found between festive celebrations and concerns over pollution, noise and the impact of fireworks on vulnerable groups.

The bench indicated that it would neither support a total ban nor allow firecrackers to be burst for 24 hours. It said specific timings would have to be prescribed for their use.

The court also noted that a complete prohibition could affect the sentiments of people celebrating Diwali, while unrestricted use could have a significant impact on the elderly, sick people and children, as well as the environment.

What are next-generation joined green crackers?

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted a note stating that limited and conditional relaxation could be considered for specified “next-generation joined green crackers” recommended by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI).

These are linked or joined fireworks designed to produce a sequence of effects while meeting specified emission, noise and safety requirements.

The proposed crackers would have to:

  • Be manufactured only by duly licensed manufacturers.
  • Comply with prescribed noise limits.
  • Not contain banned chemicals.
  • Meet applicable emission and safety requirements.
  • Fall within the categories recommended by CSIR-NEERI.
  • The note referred to prescribed noise limits of 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak.

What about barium-based firecrackers?

The Supreme Court has given more time for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to place its report on barium-based firecrackers on record.

The issue will be considered on October 15, when the court is expected to examine the CPCB report and the question of which categories of firecrackers could be permitted.

According to the submission during the hearing, outdoor testing of barium-based crackers had not yet been completed.

What happened last year?

The Supreme Court had previously imposed restrictions on the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers because of concerns over air and noise pollution, particularly in Delhi-NCR.

Ahead of Diwali in 2025, the court permitted the sale and use of approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR subject to conditions. Their use was also restricted to specified hours around Diwali.

The present proceedings form part of a long-running case in which the court has considered restrictions on fireworks in Delhi-NCR and other areas affected by severe air pollution.

Why are the timings important?

The court's latest observations indicate that the eventual framework is likely to focus on when permissible fireworks can be used, rather than imposing an across-the-board prohibition.

The issue is particularly significant during the festival period because winter conditions in Delhi-NCR can coincide with higher pollution levels. Firecracker emissions can add to existing air-quality concerns, while noise can affect children, elderly people and those who are unwell.

However, the court has not yet issued a final order setting the timings for this year's Diwali celebrations.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the issue of barium in firecrackers on October 15. The CPCB's report and the court's consideration of permitted categories will be important to the final framework.

For now, the court's position is that neither a blanket ban nor unrestricted, round-the-clock use is being considered. Instead, it is examining a conditional system involving specified timings and approved categories of green firecrackers.

What the Supreme Court's latest position means

The hearing points towards a regulatory approach that attempts to balance two competing concerns: allowing limited festive use of fireworks while restricting their environmental, noise and health impacts.

The key elements under consideration are the type of firecracker, manufacturing standards, chemical composition, noise and emission limits, and permitted hours of use.

The court's October 15 consideration of barium-based fireworks could further clarify which products, if any, will be allowed under the final framework. Until the court passes its detailed order, the exact timings and categories applicable during Diwali 2026 should not be treated as final.