Supreme Court Rules Against Total Firecracker Ban, Seeks Middle Ground on Usage Hours

India's Supreme Court has ruled out both a complete ban on firecrackers and unrestricted usage, directing that permissible hours be established. The court also considered a government proposal to allow next-generation green crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI, subject to strict noise and emission standards, with a further hearing on barium use set for October 15.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled out both a blanket prohibition on firecrackers and unrestricted round-the-clock use, noting that an outright ban risked affecting cultural sentiments. The two-judge panel, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale, called for a balanced approach by designating permitted hours for firecracker use, adding that the court intended to set out its position with full clarity. The position put forward rules out both an outright prohibition on fireworks and unrestricted round-the-clock use. A complete prohibition is expected to influence market confidence. Permitting their presence throughout the day could affect other residents, including elderly people, those with health conditions, and children. The bench remarked orally that a timeline-based resolution needed to be established. At the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati presented a written submission proposing that a restricted and conditional exemption could be extended to specific next-generation joined green crackers endorsed by CSIR-NEERI, provided these products meet the applicable noise, emission, and safety standards alongside a set of prescribed conditions. Formulated in partnership with CSIR-NEERI, these next-generation linked fireworks use a revised chemical composition featuring lower concentrations of barium salts to reduce overall emissions. The document added that such firecrackers would be allowed only when produced by appropriately licensed manufacturers, meeting the stipulated noise threshold of 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak, and free from any prohibited chemical substances. The apex court announced it would take up the matter involving barium usage in fireworks on 15 October. Prior to Diwali last year, the apex court authorised the restricted sale and use of low-emission firecrackers across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, attaching stipulations intended to reconcile cultural observance with environmental and public health considerations. Judges ruled that environmentally approved fireworks could only be set off during designated time windows, both ahead of and during the Diwali celebration.

Supreme Court Rules Against Total Firecracker Ban, Seeks Middle Ground on Usage Hours

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Supreme Court Rules Against Total Firecracker Ban, Seeks Middle Ground on Usage Hours

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