The Supreme Court has permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi and NCR from October 18 to 21. The decision came after the Delhi government requested approval to use certified green crackers for Diwali celebrations.
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran directed patrolling teams to check that only QR-coded green crackers are sold. People can burst them between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. The court also banned online sales and warned that violators will face notices.
Earlier, the court noted that short-term bans on crackers were ineffective. It said citizens have the right to live in a clean and pollution-free environment under Article 21 of the Constitution. The bench emphasized that only crackers with minimal pollution can be allowed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that sales will happen only through licensed traders. Manufacturers certified by NEERI and PESO can produce green crackers but cannot sell them in restricted areas without permission.
