Supreme Court lifts firecracker ban for Deepavali in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court of India has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during the Deepavali festival. The court imposed strict timing restrictions and designated 'No-Cracker Zones' near hospitals and schools to protect public health and the environment.
Why it matters
This ruling balances religious traditions with urgent public health concerns regarding air quality and noise pollution in one of the world's most polluted regions.
The Supreme Court on Monday (November 2, 2026) permitted the bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The court allowed bursting of these crackers between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on November 7 and November 8, 2026 during Deepavali. “There shall not be any bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and any notified silence zones. These areas will be declared as ‘No-Cracker Zones’, and shall be marked on the ground and published,” a Bench headed by Justice M.M. Sundresh directed in a judgment. The same restriction shall also be applicable to educational institutions.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in