Delhi, NCR to celebrate Diwali by bursting crackers; Supreme Court relaxes ban

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court granted permission to burst 'green' (eco-friendly) firecrackers in Delhi on the 7th—the day of Choti Diwali—and the 8th, the day of Diwali. A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale provided relaxation to the existing firecracker ban in the national capital. Firecrackers may be burst on the 7th between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and on the 8th between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

The licenses of firecracker traders have been temporarily restored; however, online sales remain prohibited. This decision follows a petition filed by the firecracker traders. Meanwhile, air pollution in Delhi reached critical levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark—falling into the 'very poor' category. In the ITO area, AQI reached a dangerous 430 on Monday. The state government has begun implementing stringent measures to bring air pollution under control, having already collected Rs 68.4 lakh in fines from those violating the regulations.

A ban on the entry of vehicles registered in other states—specifically those falling under the BS-1, BS-2, and BS-3 emission standards—has been imposed in Delhi until January 31, 2027. The Delhi High Court did not grant any immediate interim relief regarding this move by the state government. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma has ordered that a notice be issued to the Delhi government. The petition, filed by advocate Gurmukh Das Kohli, will be taken up for consideration on the 27th.