A complete ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR has been lifted as the Supreme Court gave a nod to the release of green fireworks between October 18 and 21 within a limited time limit. The court said the fireworks can only be set off between 6am and 8am and then between 8pm and 10pm.
A complete ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR has been lifted after the Supreme Court gave a nod to the release of green fireworks between October 18 and 21 within a limited time limit. The court said that discharging fireworks is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and then from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SC allows lighting of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR
A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran reserved the order that sale of green crackers will be allowed at designated locations. “Sale of green fireworks will be allowed from October 18 to October 21. Police should constitute a patrol team to ensure that only permitted products with QR codes are sold. An infringement notice should be attached for persons violating the rules. The use of fireworks will be restricted to 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm on the day before Diwali and on Diwali day,” it said command.
The court further said that the Central Pollution Control Board will monitor the air quality index from October 18 to Diwali to determine whether the levels are normal or rising.
The Supreme Court had earlier banned fireworks in Delhi over air pollution concerns. The Court recently allowed the production of green fireworks, but upheld the ban on sales in limited areas. Delhi and neighboring state governments along with manufacturers have petitioned the Court to allow the use of green cracker on Diwali, Christmas, Gurpurab and New Year’s Eve, proposing relaxations on these occasions.
Before the order, the Supreme Court had recently hinted at easing restrictions with a “balanced approach” that safeguards both environmental concerns and livelihoods dependent on the fireworks industry.
Air pollution in Delhi: AQI in ‘poor’ category
Delhi’s air quality index stood at 201 in the poor category, recorded at 5:30 am on Wednesday (October 15, 2025). The weather forecast predicts further deterioration in the coming days. In view of rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday, October 14, imposed Phase 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) in the National Capital Region and adjacent areas. This step aims to mitigate the effects of pollution and prevent further deterioration of air quality.
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