New Delhi, Sept. 30: The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it was inclined to permit the bursting of certain categories of firecrackers during Diwali within prescribed time slots, while making it clear that it would neither impose a complete prohibition nor allow unrestricted bursting throughout the day.
A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale said a total ban could affect the sentiments of those celebrating the festival, whereas permitting firecrackers without any time restriction would adversely affect the environment and the vulnerable sections, including children, the elderly and the sick.
The bench also indicated that it was inclined to accept a proposal to permit joint firecrackers, or “larri”, subject to conditions. It said a balance would have to be struck through specified timings and by permitting only those categories of firecrackers that satisfied the applicable requirements.
The court was hearing the long-pending proceedings concerning regulation of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR and other northern States, particularly during periods when air pollution reaches severe levels.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to place before the court a Central Pollution Control Board report concerning barium-based firecrackers. She submitted that outdoor testing of such crackers was yet to be completed.
Granting the time sought, the bench said it would consider the CPCB report before taking a final view on which categories of firecrackers could be permitted.
In July, the Supreme Court had sought the CPCB’s views on whether some categories of firecrackers could be allowed, including with possible relaxation of restrictions relating to noise levels.
The proceedings stem from a case instituted in 2015 in which the court has, over the years, issued a series of directions regulating the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers in view of concerns over deteriorating air quality, particularly in Delhi and neighbouring areas.
While the court had at one stage imposed a blanket prohibition on the use of firecrackers in Delhi, it later permitted the sale and bursting of approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period around Diwali in 2025.
Pramod kumar is a Senior Journalist, Covering Supreem Court of India
