📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pinakpani
National
Supreme Court clears use of 'green' firecrackers for Diwali, outlines sale rules
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 07:02 PM
👁 24
The Supreme Court has approved the use of environmentally‑friendly 'green' firecrackers for Diwali and set guidelines for their sale and purchase.
New Delhi – In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court affirmed that "green" firecrackers, which emit lower levels of harmful pollutants, may be used during the Diwali celebrations. The court distinguished these products from conventional fireworks, noting that they are manufactured with cleaner chemical formulations and reduced smoke output.
The bench also laid down a regulatory framework for vendors. Sellers must obtain a valid licence, display the green certification on each pack, and ensure that the products meet the pollution‑control standards prescribed by the Ministry of Environment. Buyers are prohibited from purchasing unlabelled or non‑certified fireworks.
Environmental groups welcomed the decision, saying it balances cultural traditions with public health concerns. However, they urged strict monitoring to prevent the circulation of counterfeit items that claim to be "green" without meeting the stipulated criteria.
The ruling comes ahead of the festive season, when authorities across states are already tightening firecracker bans in high‑pollution zones. The Supreme Court’s guidelines aim to provide a clear, uniform approach for the entire country.
Consumers are advised to look for the official green label and verify the vendor’s licence before buying any fireworks for the upcoming Diwali festivities.
The bench also laid down a regulatory framework for vendors. Sellers must obtain a valid licence, display the green certification on each pack, and ensure that the products meet the pollution‑control standards prescribed by the Ministry of Environment. Buyers are prohibited from purchasing unlabelled or non‑certified fireworks.
Environmental groups welcomed the decision, saying it balances cultural traditions with public health concerns. However, they urged strict monitoring to prevent the circulation of counterfeit items that claim to be "green" without meeting the stipulated criteria.
The ruling comes ahead of the festive season, when authorities across states are already tightening firecracker bans in high‑pollution zones. The Supreme Court’s guidelines aim to provide a clear, uniform approach for the entire country.
Consumers are advised to look for the official green label and verify the vendor’s licence before buying any fireworks for the upcoming Diwali festivities.