Supreme Court bans Barium firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, orders confiscation

v. Union of India & Ors., addressing the regulation of firecracker use in the Delhi-NCR region. It matters to citizens as it outlines the legal framework, historical bans, and temporary permissions regarding the sale and bursting of firecrackers, particularly in relation to air quality and public health.

Who it concerns: The order concerns the Petitioners (Arjun Gopal & Ors.), the Respondents (Union of India, Government of NCT of Delhi, CAQM), and intervening parties including the Delhi Fireworks Shopkeepers Association, Federation of Fireworks Traders, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It affects manufacturers, traders, and the general public in the Delhi-NCR region.

What the document says

• The Court allowed intervention applications from the Delhi Fireworks Shopkeepers Association and the Federation of Fireworks Traders.
• The Court noted that previous directions since 2018 have not led to effective implementation or satisfactory reduction in pollution levels.
• The Court acknowledged a complete perpetual ban on firecrackers imposed by GNCTD in December 2024, which was extended to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
• The Court referenced a temporary relaxation order from October 2025 that permitted the sale of NEERI-approved green crackers for a specific period (Oct 18-20, 2025) under strict conditions, including designated locations, QR code verification, and time restrictions (6:00 AM-7:00 AM and 8:00 PM-10:00 PM).
• The Court noted that the 2025 relaxation was a 'test case' and temporary measure.
• The Court observed that efforts to improve the situation have not been successful to date, with no effective implementation or satisfactory documentation provided.

Also in the document

• The Court highlighted that particulate matter (PM) from firecrackers can remain in the atmosphere for days and enter the bloodstream, causing health damage, particularly to vulnerable groups like children, the disabled, and the elderly.
• The Court noted the geographical setting of Delhi-NCR, characterized by low wind speed and temperature inversion, which causes pollution to persist.
• The Court stated that the use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by NEERI as green crackers are not permitted and must be confiscated if found.
• The Court directed that there shall be no manufacture or sale of firecrackers joined in series (laris) and no sale or purchase through e-commerce networks.