Supreme Court rejects total firecracker ban, allows green crackers
Why in the news
On 30 September 2026 the Supreme Court, through a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale, declined to impose a complete ban on firecrackers. It also said crackers cannot be burst at all hours everywhere, and allowed specified next-generation green crackers under regulated conditions.
Key facts
- The matter traces back to a 2015 petition by minors, including Arjun Gopal, asking for a nationwide ban.
- The bench said it would allow neither a total ban nor bursting for 24 hours; use is limited to set time windows.
- Green crackers of the specified joint next-generation type are permitted, subject to rules on shell number, size and burst timing.
- Approved variants contain no barium; variants with barium remain under evaluation.
- Deadline: 15 October 2026 for the Centre and expert bodies to assess them.
| Feature | Conventional | New-generation |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | 140-160 decibels | Below 125 decibels |
| PM10 (lab tests) | Baseline | 45-60% lower |
About the agencies involved
The Court named CSIR-NEERI, PESO and CPCB, along with the Centre, as the bodies to carry out tests on barium-containing variants. Field testing of barium-containing variants is pending in Delhi, Bhopal, Kolkata and Chennai.
Exam angle
- Link the Arjun Gopal case with the long-running firecracker regulation matter before the Supreme Court.
- Remember the agencies: CSIR-NEERI, PESO, CPCB.
- The ruling is a balance between health concerns and cultural sentiment.