New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised concerns over the sale of different types of firecrackers in Delhi markets despite restrictions imposed by the court and asked the Centre to ensure compliance with its directions.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale referred to a report in Hindustan Times showing firecrackers being sold in markets despite the restrictions. The bench asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to look into the matter.
"In today's report on Hindustan Times there's a photograph... they say that notwithstanding yesterday's order, now everything is available in the shops. Please look into it," the bench said.
Justice Sundresh noted that the report showed different types of firecrackers, including licensed and unlicensed products, as well as those with and without QR codes, being sold in the markets.
The court has permitted the bursting of green firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm on November 7 and 8, coinciding with Diwali.
In its October 29 order, which was made available on Monday, the bench said a blanket ban on firecrackers might be an ideal solution but the court lacked adequate data to determine whether a complete ban would be the most effective way to address pollution caused by firecrackers.
The court also expressed concern over the failure of authorities to implement its earlier directions and measures to curb firecracker use in the Delhi-NCR region.
Observing that bursting firecrackers would cause pollution, the bench said an individual's right to engage in a practice, even if it has a religious significance, is subject to constitutional restrictions.
The bench also referred to its October 15, 2025 order, which had permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, subject to conditions intended to balance religious traditions with environmental and public health concerns.
The court clarified that the complete ban on firecrackers would be restored from November 9.
The directions were issued while hearing applications in a case concerning the ban on firecrackers.
The bench also prohibited the bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes and notified silence zones.
These areas are to be declared no-cracker zones, with the restrictions marked on the ground and publicised.