As Diwali 2025 approaches, the Supreme Court has given a conditional nod to the bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and its adjoining NCR region. 

Key Highlights

• Permissible Dates & Hours
  Green crackers can be burst between October 18 and 21. On Diwali day, the permitted windows are 6:00–7:00 AM and 8:00–10:00 PM.

• Sale Restrictions
  The sale of green crackers in Delhi-NCR is allowed only between October 15 and 25, and only in designated locations. 

• Authenticity Checks & Enforcement
  Crackers must bear CSIR-NEERI certification and QR codes to verify genuineness. Crackers smuggled in from outside NCR are banned. Licences of violators will be suspended. 

• Rationale & Concerns
  The bench noted that smuggled crackers cause greater pollution than regulated green crackers.
  Still, environmental groups caution that even green crackers emit fine particulate matter, which can worsen air quality, especially during Delhi’s winter inversion conditions.

• Monitoring & Reporting
  The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards are tasked with monitoring air quality during and after the festival. They must submit reports to the court.