The Supreme Court Order on Firecrackers 2025 marks a decisive yet balanced move in India’s ongoing debate between festival celebrations and environmental safety. On October 15, 2025, the Supreme Court permitted the limited sale and bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region ahead of Diwali. The order, hailed as a “balanced approach,” seeks to protect public health while respecting cultural traditions. It emphasizes strict timing restrictions, QR-code verification, and certification standards to prevent pollution spikes, ensure safety, and regulate the festive market, signaling a significant step toward sustainable celebration practices without compromising the spirit of Diwali.
What the Supreme Court Allowed
According to the new SC order on firecrackers, only NEERI- and PESO-certified green crackers can be sold and used between October 18 and October 21, 2025. Bursting times have been fixed between 6:00–7:00 AM and 8:00–10:00 PM to minimize prolonged pollution peaks. Crackers without QR-code verification or non-certified stock remain completely banned.
Offline sales are restricted to designated, licensed vendors to curb the influx of illegal or traditional firecrackers. This rule is intended to ensure traceability, safety, and air-quality compliance during the festive period, while also protecting consumers from counterfeit products, reducing noise pollution, and supporting responsible celebration practices across communities.
QR Codes and Certification Requirements
Each green firecracker must carry a QR code that reveals details of its manufacturer, certification, and emission level. The code can be scanned by both authorities and buyers to verify authenticity. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) will oversee this certification process.
Authorities have been instructed to create real-time online verification systems to detect fake or non-certified batches. Enforcement teams will monitor markets, storage sites, and bursting zones throughout the festive window.
Why the Supreme Court Called It a Balanced Decision
The Supreme Court said its 2025 firecracker order represents a middle path — one that acknowledges both the right to celebrate and the right to breathe clean air. It emphasised that a complete ban would affect the livelihoods of small manufacturers, while unregulated use would endanger millions due to air and noise pollution.
By allowing only green firecrackers under strict limits, the court aims to ensure environmental responsibility without diluting the spirit of Diwali. The order reiterates that public interest must balance religious freedom with health protection.
Reactions from Environmentalists and Traders
Environmental groups have welcomed the decision cautiously, urging strong implementation. Experts note that even low-emission green crackers can worsen short-term PM2.5 levels if used excessively. They stress the need for real-time monitoring and transparent enforcement.
Traders, on the other hand, have expressed relief, calling the order a “lifeline” for the fireworks industry. They hope that QR-coded regulation will restore consumer trust and sustain employment, provided strict checks prevent counterfeit crackers.
Monitoring and Future Review
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state authorities to submit air-quality data before, during, and after Diwali. If pollution levels spike sharply, the court may reconsider the relaxation or impose new restrictions.
The pilot phase will guide long-term policy on how India can celebrate festivals without aggravating the national pollution crisis. The Delhi government and local bodies will issue area-specific guidelines to ensure compliance and prevent misuse.
What Consumers Should Know
Consumers are advised to buy only QR-coded green firecrackers from authorised shops. Scanning the QR code will confirm PESO/NEERI certification. Using banned crackers or violating the time window can attract penalties, including fines and seizure of goods.
Responsible celebration, combined with strict enforcement, will determine if the 2025 Supreme Court firecracker order becomes a model for sustainable festive traditions.
