SC reserves order on firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR, suggests involving Virat Kohli in awareness campaign
SC reserves order on firecracker restrictions in Delhi-NCR, suggests involving Virat Kohli in awareness campaign New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on the restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, observing that repeated judicial directions had failed to ensure compliance and calling for innovative measures to tackle air pollution. A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale said that the issue required intervention at a higher level, stating that orders were issued every year but violations continued to outnumber compliance.
“Every year, we pass orders on the issue. For us, it has now become an academic exercise. Our orders are violated more often than they are followed,” the Justice Sundresh-led Bench observed, stressing the need to explore new approaches instead of relying solely on restrictions. During the hearing, the apex court suggested involving prominent public figures, particularly sportspersons, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers and encourage people to celebrate Diwali responsibly.
“Why can’t you use the services of prominent personalities to make the public aware, like the sportsmen, or the public figures who are highly respected, from any walk of life?” the top court asked. Referring to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as an example, the Justice Sundresh-led Bench suggested that celebrated personalities could be requested to appeal to people to celebrate the festival in a manner that protects public health and the environment.
It also stressed the need to sensitise children and the younger generation, suggesting that educational institutions be involved in spreading awareness about pollution and its consequences. The Supreme Court observed that a complete ban on firecrackers might not be the appropriate course, cautioning that an excessively harsh approach could have wider repercussions. It reiterated the need for a balanced approach that respects the festive spirit while safeguarding public health.
It further underlined that enforcement would be crucial, warning that judicial directions would become a “mockery” if the authorities failed to implement them on the ground. The apex court asked the Union government to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to enforce the restrictions. The matter concerns the restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, where the Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened over concerns about deteriorating air quality during the festive season.
Last year, the apex court had permitted the limited sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR on a test basis, subject to stringent safeguards. A Bench of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai (now retired) and Justice K. Vinod Chandran had allowed the sale of approved green crackers from October 18 to October 20, 2025, while restricting their use to specified morning and evening hours on the day before Diwali and on the festival day.
The apex court had directed that only licensed traders sell approved products bearing QR codes and prohibited online sales of firecrackers. It had also ordered monitoring of air, water and soil quality to assess the impact of the limited relaxation.
