QUICK TAKE | Seven Things to Know About Delhi-NCR’s Diwali 2026 Green-Cracker Rules

1. What has the Supreme Court allowed?

The court has temporarily permitted certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, subject to restrictions on their sale, use and location. The November 2 directions allow bursting on November 7 and 8. Conventional crackers remain prohibited, and the relaxation ends with the complete ban returning on November 9.

2. What are the permitted hours?

On both days, crackers can be burst only from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. That means three permitted hours per day across two separate windows. The gap between those windows is not covered by the permission.

3. Where is bursting prohibited?

Within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones. Authorities must mark and publicise these ‘No-Cracker Zones’. Being within the permitted hours does not override these location restrictions.

4. What makes a cracker ‘green’?

CSIR-NEERI’s formulations reduce emissions compared with conventional crackers of the same category. Its criteria include at least 30% lower particulate emissions, or at least 20% lower particulate emissions combined with a specified reduction in gaseous emissions. They still release pollutants; ‘green’ does not mean pollution-free.

5. What should buyers check on the packet?

Each box must carry a product-specific QR code with manufacturer, registration, licence, formulation and test-certificate details for that product and batch. Only approved products from appropriately certified manufacturers qualify. The court has prohibited barium-containing crackers and joined strings or garlands, commonly called ladis.

6. Can crackers be bought online?

Online sales are prohibited. Purchases are restricted to locations designated by the administration. IANS reports that the permitted sale period is November 2–6, with temporary restoration of cancelled traders’ licences for November 4–6, subject to compliance. Buying dates and bursting dates are therefore separate.

7. Who will enforce the restrictions?

Police and district authorities must patrol sale locations, inspect stock, verify QR codes and seize illegal crackers. The court has also directed checks on vehicles entering Delhi-NCR. Pollution-control boards must monitor air quality before and after Diwali, with compliance reports due by December 14.