Overview

• The bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said any firecracker policy must apply across India, rejecting special treatment for Delhi-NCR and noting all citizens’ right to clean air.
• The court asked the Centre to obtain a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management, with NEERI’s input, on the feasibility and standards for lower-emission green crackers.
• Petitioners from the fireworks industry argued livelihood harms and said authorities were revoking licences valid into 2027–2030, prompting the court to restrain cancellations for now.
• The April 3 year-long ban on manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR remains in force, with the court earlier calling it absolutely essential and requiring proof that any green alternatives cause only bare minimum pollution.
• A Centre report reviewed by the court indicated roughly 30% lower emissions for green crackers, which the bench deemed insufficient as it set the matter for further hearing on September 22.