Diwali firecracker curbs: SC sets two time periods for fireworks, bans bursting near hospitals

Days before Diwali, the Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 7 and 8, with Diwali taking place on November 8 this year.

A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale instructed that firecrackers must not be burst within 300 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centers, old-age homes, or designated silence zones.

"Needless to state that the complete ban on the firecrackers, as imposed earlier, shall be restored with effect from November 9, 2026," the bench said in its October 29 order which was made available on Monday.


"The firecracker and fireworks manufacturers who possess valid certification for the green crackers, as certified by the CSIR-NEERI, as well as PESO, are permitted to manufacture only those green crackers that have been uploaded on the website of CSIR-NEERI from November 2, 2026 to November 6, 2026," the bench said.

The court also mandated that the production and sale of joined series firecrackers ('ladis') and garlands remain strictly prohibited.

Reiterating its stance, the bench maintained that firecrackers containing Barium or those lacking CSIR-NEERI approval as green crackers will not be allowed, while directing Delhi-NCR authorities to enforce measures against the influx of unauthorized and traditional firecrackers.

The order comes amid continuing concerns over Delhi-NCR's worsening air pollution ahead of winter. The Supreme Court on October 29 said it was not inclined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers but stressed that its directions must be implemented on the ground. The court also flagged concerns over enforcement of restrictions on firecracker sales and use, while the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) outlined measures to tackle pollution, including curbs on older vehicles and construction activity.