The Supreme Court has issued strict rules about when, where, and how green crackers can be sold and used in Delhi-NCR. (Photo: Reddit)
The Supreme Court has permitted the limited sale of green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region ahead of Diwali 2025. The court has given a short window for people to celebrate responsibly while keeping pollution under control.
A Bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran approved the sale of green crackers from October 18 to October 20, 2025 — covering Dhanteras to Diwali. The court has made it clear that this permission is only a test case. Future relaxations will depend on how strictly these rules are followed this year.
The Supreme Court has issued strict rules about when, where, and how green crackers can be sold and used in Delhi-NCR.
The sale of green crackers will be allowed only between October 18 and October 20, 2025. “We make it clear that the relaxation is only on a test case basis and the same shall be only for the period specified,” the SC said.
The sale will take place only at specific, officially designated spots. “The sale of these products shall be permitted only from the designated locations in the entire National Capital Region, which shall be identified by the District Collectors/ Commissioners in consultation with the District Superintendent of Police and given wide publicity,” says the SC order.
Only licensed traders can sell these crackers. The products must come from manufacturers registered with NEERI and licensed by PESO. “Licenses of traders, expired or canceled after the ban was introduced, shall be renewed for the period stipulated by the statutory authorities,” the SC said.
The court has strictly banned online sales. “There shall be no sale or purchase of firecrackers through e-commerce networks and any supply of such products shall be detained and the product confiscated,” the order stated.
The court has directed that only NEERI-approved green crackers can be sold or used. “The use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by the NEERI as green crackers shall not be permitted, and if found for sale or in the possession of individuals/ traders, the same shall be confiscated immediately,” says the order.
No sale will be allowed from residential colonies, pavements, or unlicensed godowns. Each trader can keep a maximum of 600 kg stock, as per a circular from the Joint Commissioner of Police (Licensing Division).
“Only QR-coded, NEERI-approved green crackers can be sold at these spots. No online or door-to-door sales are allowed,” said Dr Hishmi Jamil Husain, an environmentalist.
The Supreme Court has also restricted the timings for bursting crackers. People can use them only between 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Diwali and Chhoti Diwali.
The court has banned the manufacture and sale of laris (firecrackers joined in series).
