Supreme Court Directs Strict Enforcement Action Against Illegal Firecracker Sales in National Capital Region

NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India took cognizance of media findings regarding the open commercial availability of traditional, non-QR-coded firecrackers across the National Capital Region in violation of judicial restrictions, prompting an immediate directive for enforcement action.

A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale instructed the Centre, the Delhi government, local police forces, and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take strict steps against violators. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared before the court representing the Centre, the Delhi administration, and the CAQM.

The judicial intervention followed investigations published by Hindustan Times on October 22 and November 2, which documented that conventional firecrackers were being openly retailed in several commercial markets across Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Shastri Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and New Friends Colony.

While reaffirming regulatory boundaries, the apex court permitted the retail of certified green crackers—which must carry certification from CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO)—strictly between November 4 and November 6. Under the court’s schedule, the bursting of crackers is permitted solely from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 7 and November 8, before a complete ban resumes on November 9.

The broader litigation stems from a public interest petition originally filed in 2015 by a group of minor children, including petitioner Arjun Gopal, seeking judicial safeguards against hazardous air quality and its severe health implications for sensitive demographics in the capital region.

In response to the court’s directives, enforcement authorities have been tasked with seizing illegal and traditional non-compliant stocks and initiating formal legal proceedings against traders found flouting the bans.