India

Supreme Court Questions Effectiveness of Firecracker Ban Amid Lack of Data

By Amisha Shrivastava

The Supreme Court has noted that while a blanket ban on firecrackers may seem ideal for reducing environmental pollution, there is insufficient data to confirm its effectiveness. The observation was made by a bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B Varale when they allowed the use of green crackers for two days during Diwali. The Court pointed out that state and central authorities had not provided enough evidence to assess whether the 2024 ban in the Delhi‑NCR region achieved its intended goal. It added that the AQI readings did not show a significant improvement after the ban, making it difficult to determine whether the prohibition served its purpose.

On October 15, 2025, the Court temporarily relaxed the complete prohibition as a test case to let states evaluate the environmental and health effects of permitting green crackers and to submit findings. However, the states failed to comply with the directions and provide the required data. The Court also noted that AQI levels spiked on Dussehra and the following day this year, despite the prohibition.

The Court expressed concern that conventional firecrackers continue to be sold under the guise of green crackers, and that the ban may be facilitating illegal sales while preventing consumers from purchasing legitimate green crackers and next‑generation joined green crackers tested at established facilities.

The Court referenced ancient Indian philosophers who viewed the environment as integral to religion and all living beings as interconnected. It noted that religious practices, including festivals, should reflect this understanding, citing reverence for natural elements such as air, water, fire, earth, and sky. The introduction of gunpowder in India several centuries ago changed Diwali celebrations, leading to widespread use of firecrackers.

The Court highlighted that the practice, though associated with religious celebration, causes severe environmental pollution, including air and noise pollution, and generates solid waste. It noted that unregulated use of firecrackers affects everyone, especially children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The Court observed that each year there is a significant spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and particulate matter (PM) levels across the country, particularly in the Delhi‑NCR region, following the festival.