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Supreme Court Rejects Total Diwali Crackdown, Allows Limited Bursts

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 4:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Supreme Court Allows Crackers

India’s Supreme Court ruled against a total Diwali firecracker ban, permitting limited windows.
The bench approved next-generation green crackers with safety, noise and emission limits.
Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report on barium-based crackers by Oct 15.
CSIR-NEERI data show crackers cut particulate emissions by 45-60 % versus conventional ones.
The court warned unrestricted 24-hour bursting would harm children, elderly and the sick.

Summary

Liz Mathew Appointed

The Supreme Court appointed senior counsel Liz Mathew as amicus curiae for the safety review.
A hearing on the matter is set for October 5, 2026.
Delhi Police must create district teams led by Deputy Superintendents within four weeks.
Authorities must submit a five-year status report on NDSO usage.
Fast Track Special Courts are required to finish trials within one year of starting.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s 2017 ban on Delhi firecrackers, the National Green Tribunal reinforced restrictions in 2020, prompting the CSIR to create “green crackers” that cut emissions by about 30 %. Building on earlier M.C. Mehta environmental rulings, the Court now allows limited green crackers, appoints senior counsel Liz Mathew as amicus, and orders a CPCB report.

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Supreme Court Allows Crackers

India’s Supreme Court ruled against a total Diwali firecracker ban, permitting limited windows.
The bench approved next-generation green crackers with safety, noise and emission limits.
Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati requested a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report on barium-based crackers by Oct 15.
CSIR-NEERI data show crackers cut particulate emissions by 45-60 % versus conventional ones.
The court warned unrestricted 24-hour bursting would harm children, elderly and the sick.

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