When Can You Burst Diwali Firecrackers, Where To Buy Them? Supreme Court’s Big Ruling Explained

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 11:47 IST

Green firecrackers are designed to be less polluting and more environmentally friendly than traditional firecrackers

Green crackers emit 30-35 per cent fewer particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and dignificantly less sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the bursting of green crackers in Delhi between October 18 and 21, calling it a “temporary measure" and noting that no firecrackers from outside NCR will be allowed.

The judgment in the case was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, which said: “We have observed that there are concerns by the industry. Conventional firecrackers are smuggled, which causes more damage."

The Supreme Court had reserved its order on the issue on October 10, saying a complete ban on bursting of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR is “neither practical nor ideal" as such restrictions were often violated, and balancing of equities is needed.

News18 answers all your questions about the latest SC order:

So, Can I Burst Firecrackers This Diwali?

Yes, but only green crackers.

What Are Green Crackers?

Green firecrackers are designed to be less polluting and more environmentally friendly than traditional firecrackers. They were developed by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) in India under a project initiated by the government to reduce air and noise pollution, especially during festivals like Diwali.

Green crackers emit 30-35 per cent fewer particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and dignificantly less sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. The noise levels too are kept within the permissible limits of 125 decibels (as per regulations of the Central Pollution Control Board).

Apart from this, they avoid banned and toxic substances like barium nitrate, potassium nitrate, aluminum, and lithium (used in traditional firecrackers). They also have distinctive chemical markers and often QR codes on packaging to differentiate them from regular (banned) ones.

When Can I Burst Crackers?

The Supreme Court, in its order, said the use of firecrackers is confined between 6am-7am and 8pm-10pm on the day before Diwali and the day of Diwali.

Can I Buy The Crackers Online?

No. As per the order, there shall be no supply of firecrackers from e-commerce websites.

Then, Where Can I Buy The Crackers From?

The sale of products can be permitted only from the designated locations, which shall be identified in the entire NCR by the District Collectors/Commissioners in consultation with the Police and given wide publicity.

What Else Did The Court Say?

The top court took into account the fact that a complete ban leads to smuggling of crackers causing more damage to air quality.

“Conventional firecrackers are smuggled which cause more damage. We have to take a balanced approach. Out of 22 districts in Haryana 14 districts fall in NCR. when the ban was imposed there was not much difference in air quality except during COVID period. The concept of green crackers was introduced after judgement in Arjun Gopal. Over 6 years green crackers have substantially reduced emission. NEERI has contributed to it. From 14.10.2024 to 1.1.2025 complete ban on manufacture was imposed," the court noted while easing the ban.

Why Is It Such A Big Issue?

Delhi, which consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, struggles to breathe every winter when the air becomes cooler and heavier, trapping pollutants near the ground and Wwind speeds drop, reducing pollutant dispersion. The toxic smog aggravates respiratory problems, triggers asthma, and increases cardiovascular risks, especially for children and the elderly.

This unfortunately coincides with crop stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, further compounding the air crisis.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) shoots up to ‘Severe’ or ‘Hazardous’ every year, with hospitals reporting a spike in respiratory ailments and schools having to shut down due to extreme pollution.

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...

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