Supreme Court Allows Limited Use of Green Firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali
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The Supreme Court permitted certified green firecrackers to be burst in Delhi and the NCR on November 7-8, 2026, with specific time slots and restrictions around hospitals, schools and other silent zones.
The Supreme Court on Monday lifted the blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region for the Deepavali celebrations on November 7 and 8, 2026. The court authorized the use of certified green firecrackers only between 6 a.m.-7 a.m. and 8 p.m.-10 p.m. on those two days.
"There shall not be any bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and any notified silence zones. These areas will be declared as ‘No-Cracker Zones’, and shall be marked on the ground and published," the bench headed by Justice M.M. Sundresh ordered.
The same restrictions will apply to educational institutions, and the court directed authorities to ensure compliance to avoid inconvenience to patients and vulnerable groups. While acknowledging firecracker bursting as a religious practice, the court emphasized the need to protect the environment, public health and air quality.
In its 23-page judgment, the court noted that ancient scriptures described Deepavali celebrations using lamps, and that the introduction of gun-powder centuries ago led to the modern practice of firecracker use. It warned that unregulated firecrackers cause severe air and noise pollution and generate solid waste, affecting children, the disabled and the elderly the most.