Law & Justice
Supreme Court Grants Limited Green Firecracker Use in Delhi‑NCR, Full Ban from Nov. 9
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the use of green firecrackers in the Delhi‑NCR on November 7 and 8 between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The court said the complete ban on firecrackers will take effect on November 9. In a ruling by judges MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale, the court reiterated that firecrackers containing barium or those not approved by CSIR‑NEERI as green crackers are prohibited. The court also directed that no firecrackers be burst within a 300‑metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old‑age homes and notified silence zones. These areas, along with educational institutions, will be declared ‘No‑Cracker Zones’ and appropriately marked and publicised. The Supreme Court was hearing two petitions, including a suo motu case on air pollution in the National Capital Region covering firecrackers, stubble burning and solid waste management, and another petition seeking a ban on the manufacture of firecrackers.