The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to examine whether certain restrictions on firecrackers could be relaxed ahead of the upcoming Diwali season, particularly those relating to noise limits.
A Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale asked the CPCB to explore whether a limited relaxation could be permitted for certain categories of firecrackers. Urging the authorities not to wait until the last minute before Diwali, the Court asked for an exception to be considered early.
The Bench was hearing a 2015 case in which the Supreme Court has issued a series of directions regulating the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi and other northern States, particularly during the period when air pollution levels tend to rise sharply.
The case has its roots in concerns over the severe deterioration of air quality in Delhi during and after the Diwali period. Over the years, the Supreme Court has imposed restrictions on firecrackers, including limits on their timing, composition and noise levels, while also directing authorities to enforce measures aimed at reducing pollution.
The Court had earlier imposed a complete ban on the use of firecrackers in Delhi in view of the city’s persistent air pollution problem. It subsequently permitted the use of green firecrackers subject to conditions aimed at balancing environmental concerns with the public’s interest in celebrating festivals.
In 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during Diwali for a limited period, subject to specified conditions.
When the matter was taken up on July 22 this year, the Court asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati to obtain instructions from the CPCB on whether partial relaxation could be considered for certain categories of firecrackers, specifically with regard to noise limits. During Wednesday’s hearing, Bhati, appearing for the Union government, sought an adjournment.
The Bench allowed the request but reiterated that the CPCB should examine the possibility of relaxing noise-related restrictions for the upcoming festive season. The Court indicated that the issue should be considered sufficiently in advance rather than being taken up immediately before Diwali.
The matter was accordingly adjourned for two weeks.
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