Supreme Court Slams Delhi’s Selective Firecracker Ban: Demands Nationwide Policy
The Supreme Court on Friday, September 12, 2025, expressed strong reservations about the selective firecracker ban imposed in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The court questioned the rationale behind a regional approach when the issue of air pollution transcends geographical boundaries.
The judges highlighted that clean air is a fundamental right, impacting citizens across India. A pan-India policy, they argued, is necessary to effectively tackle the widespread problem of air pollution caused by firecrackers.
The court’s concerns extended to the cancellation of existing licenses for firecracker manufacturing and sale. The bench sought a comprehensive report detailing the status of these licenses and directed a status quo to be maintained until further orders.
The matter has been adjourned to September 22, 2025, pending submission of the report. This landmark ruling could significantly impact the festive season celebrations and the long-term approach to air quality management across the nation. The implications for upcoming festivals and the Diwali season are considerable, demanding a robust national strategy for cleaner air.
