Supreme Court says firecracker bans repeatedly violated as Deepavali approaches

The Supreme Court on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, said its repeated orders to limit firecracker use during Deepavali are being flouted "left and right." A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale noted that religious freedom must be balanced against public health and fundamental rights. Justice Sundresh highlighted the health impact on children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, and reminded that Deepavali is traditionally the "festival of lights."

"The problem might have started with gun powder," the judge said, adding that celebrations can boost morale but should not lead to harsh bans that could have a spiralling effect.

The court expressed empathy for police hesitancy to prosecute ordinary celebrants and urged officials to focus on enforcement rather than personal festivities. It directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to ensure action against sellers of illegal or spurious crackers and to provide data on enforcement measures.

"Traders will go by supply and demand… Your officers will have to forget their personal celebrations. They have to go out and see what is happening on the ground… Be very serious in giving effect to our orders," Justice Sundresh said.

The bench also suggested using public figures, such as cricketer Virat Kohli, to raise awareness about firecracker hazards. The court recalled that in October 2025 it had allowed the sale of "green" crackers in Delhi-NCR under strict time limits, aiming to balance tradition with environmental and health concerns. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that if construction could be halted to curb pollution, similar restrictions should apply to crackers. The court said it would issue its final orders in a few days and asked the government to file an affidavit on preventive steps taken so far.