NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on firecracker ban saw a new turn on Friday, September 26, 2025, as the apex court emphasized the need for a “balanced approach” to the issue. A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice NV Anjaria, directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to consult all stakeholders, including manufacturers and sellers, before arriving at a long term solution.
Court shifts from absolute ban to balanced approach
In April 2025, the Supreme Court ban on firecracker had extended a permanent prohibition on the sale, production, and manufacture of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The court reasoned that seasonal restrictions were ineffective, as firecrackers would be stored during the ban months and later sold during festivals. The ban was aimed at protecting citizens’ right to clean air, especially in the region where winter smog worsens pollution levels.
However, on Friday 26 Sept, 2025, the bench acknowledged that a complete prohibition may not be practical. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai observed that despite earlier strict bans, enforcement remained weak on the ground. Drawing a parallel with Bihar’s mining ban, which led to the rise of illegal mafias, the court said that absolute measures often fuel underground markets instead of solving the problem.
Green crackers manufacturing permitted
In a significant relief to the industry, the Supreme Court firecracker ban order now permits certified manufacturers to continue production of green crackers in Delhi-NCR. These manufacturers must hold approvals from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
However, the court imposed strict conditions. Manufacturers must submit an undertaking that no firecrackers will be sold within the NCR until further orders. The bench made it clear that manufacturing does not translate into permission to sell in prohibited areas.
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Balancing environment and livelihoods
The court highlighted that thousands of workers are dependent on the firecracker industry. Chief Justice Gavai stated, “What is the problem in allowing them to manufacture if they follow norms? There has to be a solution. Extreme orders will create problems.” The bench stressed that policies must strike a balance between livelihood rights and environmental protection.
Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, acting as amicus curiae, argued in favor of continuing the complete ban, warning that allowing manufacture could eventually lead to illegal sales in prohibited zones. On the other hand, senior advocates Balbir Singh and K. Parameshwar, appearing for the industry, requested permission to operate under strict declarations and monitoring.
Next hearing scheduled for October 8
The Supreme Court on firecracker ban matter will now be taken up on October 8, 2025. Until then, the Ministry of Environment has been asked to engage with all concerned stakeholders and present a workable policy framework.
The court’s latest move underscores the difficulty in balancing environmental concerns with economic realities. While Delhi-NCR continues to struggle with poor air quality, the livelihoods of those employed in the firecracker industry remain at risk. The upcoming hearing is expected to provide further clarity on whether a nationwide uniform policy will replace the current regional restrictions.
