SC allows sale, bursting of green crackers for Diwali in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court on Wednesday relaxed its blanket ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and permitted the limited use of certified green crackers ahead of Diwali.

- BHAVINI MISHRA

The court ruled that the sale of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-approved green crackers will be allowed for a three-day window, from October 18 to 20.

District authorities will identify and notify designated sale locations, and only licenced vendors will be permitted to operate. Every product sold must carry a quick response code to ensure traceability, the court said. The use of firecrackers has been strictly limited to specific time slots.

Bursting will be allowed between 6-7 am and 8-10 pm on the day before and on Diwali. Only crackers approved by NEERI and licenced through the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization will be permitted; any non-compliant stock will be seized immediately.