As Diwali approaches, Delhi-NCR is divided over the potential return of firecrackers, even the supposedly "green" ones, following a Supreme Court indication that it may relax the total ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR "on a trial basis". The court is attempting to "balance out" the interests of various stakeholders, similar to its 2018 judgment that initially imposed restrictions but allowed low-emission 'green crackers'.

The Supreme Court is considering whether to permit the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for Diwali, Gurupurav, and Christmas. While reserving orders, the bench questioned the necessity of a complete ban, noting there was no significant increase in pollution attributed to crackers. The court observed that a complete ban on bursting firecrackers in Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal" as such restrictions were often violated and balancing of equities is needed. The final verdict is reserved after hearing the Union government's proposal for a tightly regulated framework allowing only “green firecrackers” approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). The court also emphasized that the activity would be confined to specific time slots.

The debate highlights the persistent concerns about air quality in the region, which often plummets to hazardous levels around Diwali. While some welcome the possibility of celebrating with firecrackers, others fear the environmental consequences, even if the crackers are supposedly "green".

Arguments for Allowing Green Crackers:

• Celebration and Tradition: Supporters argue that bursting firecrackers is a traditional part of Diwali celebrations, and a complete ban deprives people of the joy and festivities.
• Limited Impact: The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that there is no scientific data to support the view that crackers contribute significantly to increased pollution levels in Delhi and NCR. The Centre and Haryana governments supported pleas from firecracker manufacturers for allowing the manufacture and sale of green crackers.
• Economic Considerations: A ban impacts the livelihoods of those involved in the firecracker industry. Allowing the sale of green crackers could provide some economic relief.

Arguments Against Allowing Green Crackers:

• Pollution Concerns: Opponents emphasize the already poor air quality in Delhi-NCR and argue that any addition of pollutants, even from green crackers, could be detrimental, especially to vulnerable populations.
• Effectiveness of Green Crackers: There are questions about how effective green crackers are in reducing pollution. Past experience, the court observed, showed that temporary measures such as green crackers had not significantly reduced pollution levels, raising questions about their effectiveness this Diwali.
• Enforcement Challenges: Concerns exist regarding the enforcement of regulations related to green crackers, including the potential for the sale of counterfeit or non-compliant products. Amicus Curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh, expressed concern over “fake green crackers” being sold under false labels, which continued to use polluting chemicals.

Proposed Regulations and Restrictions:

The government has proposed strict measures to ensure that only approved green crackers are available, including:

• A ban on series crackers ("ladis").
• A ban on online sales.
• Sales only through licensed traders.
• Mentioning the quantity and details of green crackers by manufacturers.
• Periodic inspections by PESO and NEERI to ensure compliance with green standards.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested the apex court to allow the bursting of green firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali. On Christmas and New Year's Eve - between 11.45 pm and 12.30 am, and for one hour on Gurpurab, he said.

The Supreme Court has allowed the manufacturing of green firecrackers in Delhi subject to the condition that they will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR, keeping in view the increasing level of pollution and deteriorating environmental condition.

The Supreme Court is walking a tightrope, attempting to balance economic interests, religious traditions, and environmental concerns. The court observed that pollution levels largely remained unchanged between 2018 and 2024, except during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The court's final decision and its enforcement will determine whether Delhi-NCR experiences a relatively cleaner Diwali or another season of severe air pollution.