Consider relaxing firecracker noise limit curbs before Diwali: SC to CPCB

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to consider relaxing restrictions on firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali season.

A bench of justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale asked CPCB to explore whether partial relaxation for certain types of crackers might be possible, specifically concerning noise limits. SC also asked the counsel for the Centre to "please give some exception".

The development took place during the hearing of a plea concerning the pollution menace in Delhi. The plea was filed in 2015 and since then SC has issued a series of orders imposing curbs on crackers in Delhi and other north Indian states affected by air pollution between October and January.


Due to the rising menace of air pollution in Delhi, SC had earlier banned the use of firecrackers. But, last year, SC permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and NCR during the Diwali festival for a limited period.

At the last hearing in July this year, SC had asked the additional solicitor general to obtain instructions from CPCB on whether partial relaxation for certain types of firecrackers might be possible, particularly with regard to noise limits. When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, counsel for the Centre sought an adjournment. While allowing it, the bench reiterated its request.