Supreme Court calls for innovative ways to curb firecracker pollution during Diwali

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, observing that repeated judicial directions had failed to ensure compliance and calling for innovative measures to tackle air pollution.

A Bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale said the issue required intervention at a higher level, noting that orders were issued every year but violations continued to outnumber compliance.

“Every year, we pass orders on the issue. For us, it has now become an academic exercise. Our orders are violated more often than they are followed,” the Bench led by Justice Sundresh observed, stressing the need to explore new approaches instead of relying solely on restrictions.

During the hearing, the apex court suggested involving prominent public figures, particularly sportspersons, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers and encourage people to celebrate Diwali responsibly.

“Why can’t you use the services of prominent personalities to make the public aware, like the sportsmen, or the public figures who are highly respected, from any walk of life?” the court asked.

Referring to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as an example, the Bench suggested that celebrated personalities could be requested to appeal to people to celebrate the festival in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

It also stressed the need to sensitise children and the younger generation, suggesting that educational institutions be involved in spreading awareness about pollution and its consequences.

The Supreme Court observed that a complete ban on firecrackers might not be the appropriate course, cautioning that an excessively harsh approach could have wider repercussions.

It reiterated the need for a balanced approach that respects the festive spirit while safeguarding public health. It also underlined the importance of enforcement, warning that judicial directions would become a “mockery” if authorities failed to implement them on the ground.

The apex court asked the Union government to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to enforce the restrictions. The matter concerns restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, where the Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened over concerns about deteriorating air quality during the festive season.

Last year, the apex court permitted the limited sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR on a trial basis, subject to stringent safeguards. A Bench comprising then Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran had allowed the sale of approved green crackers from October 18 to 20, 2025, while restricting their use to specified morning and evening hours on the day before Diwali and on the festival day.

The apex court had directed that only licensed traders sell approved products bearing QR codes and prohibited online sales of firecrackers. It had also ordered the monitoring of air, water and soil quality to assess the impact of the limited relaxation.