The Supreme Court Supports Delhi Government’s Ban on Green Firecracker Production and Sale

On Friday, the Supreme Court declined the request to permit the production and sale of green firecrackers “at this time.” The court rejected a petition advocating for the creation and usage of firecrackers containing barium. It also refused to intervene in the decision made by the Delhi government to ban firecracker usage in the national capital ahead of the Diwali festival.

The court emphasized that the 2018 ban on firecrackers would be rigorously enforced by all relevant authorities. Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh, in a hearing held last week, reserved their judgment after extensive deliberation.

Manoj Tiwari, a politician in the Bharatiya Janata Party, submitted one of the lawsuits against the total ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in Delhi in 2022. The court raised concerns during the hearing about its ability to replace the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and stressed the significance of having faith in reputable organizations.

The government was represented in court by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who stated that although barium had been prohibited due to official advice, it was only for the 2018 Diwali season.The court noted that presently, all types of firecrackers, including green ones, are prohibited in Delhi.

Bhati also informed the court that Delhi Police had not issued any permanent licenses for firecrackers since 2016. Furthermore, she mentioned that all permanent firework manufacturing licenses had been revoked, and police would conduct inspections of all licensee premises.

The court emphasized that merely punishing those who ignited the firecrackers was insufficient, and authorities must trace the source of these firecrackers. In 2021, the Supreme Court clarified that there was no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and that only fireworks containing barium salts were prohibited.