The Supreme Court on Thursday (April 3) issued an order imposing a year-long ban on the use, manufacture, sale, and storage of firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

The Court emphasized that restricting the ban to just 3-4 months annually is ineffective, given the persistent deterioration of air quality in the national capital.

Acknowledging the extraordinary pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Court ruled out any exceptions, including for green crackers. Additionally, online sales of firecrackers will remain prohibited.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed arguments from firecracker manufacturers, who contended that the ban infringes upon their right to trade and livelihood. The bench noted that limiting the ban to specific months would be futile, as crackers would still be stored and used during restricted periods.

Addressing the issue of green crackers, the Court cited a report from the Union Government, stating that their emissions are only 30% lower than conventional crackers. Unless it is demonstrated that green crackers cause minimal pollution, no exemptions can be granted, the Court clarified.

The Court also underscored the responsibility of firecracker traders under Article 51A of the Constitution to contribute to a pollution-free Delhi.

This ruling is part of the Court’s ongoing monitoring of pollution management in the NCR under the MC Mehta case, which also addresses issues such as stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, vehicular pollution, and solid waste management.