Not ban, SC’s Diwali firecracker idea involves Virat Kohli

The court still warned authorities that failure to enforce existing restrictions can lead to a harsher ruling.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court said it was not inclined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers and instead suggested involving personalities like Virat Kohli to promote celebrating Diwali without bursting of firecrackers.

The court still warned authorities that failure to enforce existing restrictions can lead to a harsher ruling.

Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale on Thursday, October 29, were hearing a 2015 case in which the court has consistently passed orders imposing firecracker restrictions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) facing air pollution between October and January.

‘Let us enjoy the spirit of festival of light’

The Bench emphasised the need to raise public awareness on the impact of firecrackers and encouraged the use of print and television campaigns with prominent personalities.

“You can take help from celebrated cricketers like Virat Kohli or somebody. You can request him to make a segment that ‘lets us make this Diwali as one that is enjoyable’. Let us enjoy the spirit of the festival of light,” the court said.

‘No point in passing order unless you really give effect’

The bench noted that “there is no point” in passing orders unless they are really in effect on the ground. “It becomes a mere mockery then,” the apex court said. “It is not an adversarial matter. It concerns everyone. Every living being.”

The court said it understands the sentiment of the public as well and thus is not inclined to impose a complete ban.

“We also understand the sentiment of the public. Somebody wants to celebrate… Therefore, we are not inclined to impose a complete ban because, again, it will have a spiralling effect. But having said that, please don’t push us to take a harsh stand on it,” Justice Sundresh said.

Earlier, the Supreme Court banned the bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and later, in 2025, relaxed the order. It permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in the NCR during the limited festive period of Diwali. At the time, the court said the order was subject to enforcement and monitoring safeguards, as it was only passed as a test.

Petitioners argue that every single order was violated, breached

During the Thursday hearing, the bench was informed that the authorities failed to file a report detailing the implementation of the 2025 order. “Now, with no report filed by them for one year, again on the eve of the next festival, they are here again seeking equities and equitable orders from your lordships,” the amicus curiae submitted.

Counsel representing the petitioners who are seeking a ban on firecrackers said the court’s previous orders were repeatedly breached even after contempt of court proceedings.

“Orders after orders have been passed by this Court. Every single order has been violated and breached. Contempt petitions have been filed… They got stocks of barium despite seven bans being imposed by this Court,” Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted.

The petitioners’ advocate pointed out that firecrackers have long-lasting effects, as harmful particles remain suspended in the air for months. Sankaranarayanan also flagged child labour in the industry, injuries and deaths, and the use of toxic substances.

It’s not lungs vs firecrackers: Manufacturers

Representing firecracker manufacturers, Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak said, “A complete ban does not work.” He argued that prohibition encourages sales of Chinese products, unlicensed goods, and the black market. “Therefore, regulation has worked better than a complete ban. It’s not lungs vs firecrackers.”

He appealed to the court to tighten regulations by requiring licence and manufacturing site details to be made public and by cancelling licences for violations.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi government, informed the court that pollution had significantly increased following the relaxation.

“We have pulled up our socks on all of these areas. We have to file an affidavit,” said Bhati, adding that the Central Pollution Control Board had filed the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Time to educate children

The court reiterated that repeated orders serve no real purpose without effective enforcement. It observed that there is a need for public awareness via ad campaigns that encourage Diwali celebrations without firecrackers.

“Probably it’s time for us to give some directions to educate children on how to celebrate the festival actually,” the bench noted.

The Court also instructed authorities to deploy officers to monitor violations, especially on days when firecrackers are allowed.