Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of firecrackers being openly sold in markets across Delhi despite restrictions imposed by the court and directed the Centre to take steps to ensure strict implementation of its orders.
A Bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale drew the attention of Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to a newspaper report carrying photographs purportedly showing different varieties of firecrackers being sold in the national capital despite the court's directions.
"In today's report, there's a photograph... they say that notwithstanding yesterday's order, now everything is available in the shops. Please look into it," the Bench told Bhati.
Justice Sundresh pointed out that the report claimed that almost every variety of firecracker, including licensed and unlicensed products and those with or without QR codes, was available in the markets. The Bench asked the Centre to take note of the situation and ensure that the restrictions were not violated.
The observation came days after the Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, subject to strict conditions. In its October 29 order, which was made available on Monday, the court allowed firecrackers to be burst only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm on November 7 and 8.
The court also clarified that the complete ban on firecrackers would come into force again from November 9.
While considering the restrictions, the Bench observed that a blanket ban might be the ideal solution to address pollution caused by firecrackers. However, it said the court did not have sufficient data at present to determine whether a complete prohibition would be the most effective measure.
"Though imposition of a blanket ban seems to be the ideal solution, we are of the opinion that this court, at this point in time, is short of adequate data to decide whether or not a complete ban would be the best solution to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by bursting firecrackers," the court said in its order.
The Supreme Court has previously expressed concern over the failure of authorities to properly implement its directions and enforce restrictions on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region.
Observing that bursting firecrackers would inevitably contribute to pollution, the Bench said an individual's right to practise a particular activity, even if it has a religious dimension, was subject to constitutional restrictions.
Referring to its October 15, 2025 order, which permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers during Diwali under specified conditions, the court said the restrictions were intended to balance religious traditions with environmental protection and public health concerns.
The Bench also prohibited the bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones. These areas must be declared 'no-cracker zones', with restrictions clearly marked and publicised to ensure compliance.
The matter was being heard in connection with applications concerning restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers in the national capital.