Supreme Court Green Crackers : After the Supreme Court allowed the use of green firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi-NCR, it has now expressed concern over the open sale of firecrackers in markets. Referring to a media report, the court asked the government to pay immediate attention to the issue. The report claimed that despite restrictions and regulations, all kinds of firecrackers are easily available in markets. These reportedly include licensed and unlicensed firecrackers, as well as products with and without QR codes. The Supreme Court clarified that its permission applies only to green firecrackers that comply with the prescribed rules.

Justice Sundresh Warns Government Over Violations
During the hearing, Justice M.M. Sundresh raised the issue with Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who was representing the Central Government. He said that a media report, accompanied by photographs, showed that all types of firecrackers were being sold in shops despite the court’s order. Justice Sundresh asked the government to take the matter seriously and initiate immediate action. The court also recalled that it had directed manufacturers to place QR codes on firecracker packages to ensure that green firecrackers could be identified. Despite this requirement, reports of violations are continuing to emerge.

Green Firecrackers Receive Limited Permission
On November 2, the Supreme Court granted conditional permission to use green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The court acknowledged the religious, social and emotional significance of Diwali but said that harming the environment in the name of celebrating a festival was not appropriate. Keeping this in mind, instead of imposing a complete ban, the court decided to regulate the manufacturing, sale and use of green firecrackers. It made clear that only licensed green firecrackers meeting the prescribed standards would be permitted.

Firecracker Timings Restricted To Two Days
According to the Supreme Court’s order, green firecrackers can be used in Delhi-NCR only on November 7 and 8, from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm. Additionally, the use of firecrackers is completely prohibited within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, schools, old-age homes and silence zones. These restrictions aim to limit the impact of pollution and noise during the festive celebrations.

Sale Of Firecrackers To Be Banned From November 9
According to the court’s directions, a complete ban on the sale of firecrackers will come into effect from November 9. The Supreme Court also acknowledged that firecrackers contribute to pollution and that illegal sales of traditional firecrackers continue despite existing restrictions. The court believes that strict monitoring of the manufacturing, sale and use of green firecrackers is essential. The key question now is what steps the government will take to stop the illegal firecrackers being sold in markets.