Delhi's Illegal Firecracker Market: Concealed Stocks, Fake Labels And Weak Enforcement

Delhi’s Diwali firecracker window comes with strict limits on the products, places and hours permitted. However, conventional and uncertified crackers in the markets have put those conditions under immediate scrutiny.

Boxes labelled “green” and “pollution-free” may give buyers a false sense of assurance: without a working QR code, shoppers cannot verify that the crackers are certified. Reports also say other varieties are available from nearby warehouses.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday flagged these reports that conventional and uncertified firecrackers were being sold openly in Delhi, despite its order allowing only certified green crackers ahead of Diwali.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale referred to a media report showing firecrackers in several markets and asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to look into the alleged violations.

“In today’s report, there’s a photograph, they say that notwithstanding yesterday’s order, now everything is available in the (firecracker) shops. Please look into it,” Justice Sundresh told Bhati. The bench also noted claims that licensed and unlicensed crackers, with and without QR codes, were on sale.

'Illegal' Firecrackers Available In Markets

A spot check by Hindustan Times on October 22 and Monday found firecrackers being sold in Sadar Bazaar, Shastri Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Sarojini Nagar and New Friends Colony. Some boxes carried labels such as “green crackers”, “pollution-free” and “zero pollution”. Other varieties, the newspaper reported, could be sourced from nearby warehouses or concealed stocks.

In Chandni Chowk, it saw more than 20 carts selling crackers. Vendor Naimuddin said he sold products meant for children during Diwali and directed customers seeking larger crackers to Sadar Bazaar. Vendors told the newspaper they had been selling from the lane since October 20.

Many boxes lacked QR codes, the report said. Some codes opened online catalogues, while others were too small to scan.

DCP (North) Niharika Bhatt told HT that Delhi Police had registered more than 13 FIRs and seized 1,200 kg of firecrackers in the 12 days since Dussehra. She said enforcement operations had been carried out across several areas and urged residents and traders to refrain from bursting firecrackers.

What Supreme Court Has Permitted

On November 2, the court allowed the sale of certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR from November 4 to 6. Their use is permitted only on November 7 and 8, between 6am and 7am and 8pm and 10pm. The complete ban returns on November 9.

Only crackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can be manufactured and sold. Products must appear on the CSIR-NEERI website, and sales can take place only at locations designated by district authorities. Online sales are barred.

Each box must carry a product-specific QR code showing details such as the manufacturer, registration, licence, formulation and test certificate. Boxes must remain sealed to prevent conventional crackers from being mixed with approved products.

The order also bans firecracker strings, known as laris, and crackers containing barium. Authorities must seize illegal and conventional crackers and prosecute manufacturers and traders who violate the rules. Traders whose licences were cancelled may sell approved green crackers from November 4 to 6, but any breach will lead to immediate cancellation.

No-Cracker Zones and Monitoring

The permitted hours do not apply within 300 metres of hospitals, health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones. Authorities must mark and publicise these no-cracker areas.

Police and district teams must inspect designated sales points, verify QR codes and check vehicles entering Delhi-NCR for illegal or conventional crackers. Pollution-control authorities must track air quality and gather data on environmental and health effects. States must file compliance affidavits by December 14. The case is listed for review on December 16.

Why The Court Allowed A Temporary Window

The bench said it lacked enough data to decide whether a complete ban was the best way to address pollution. It also noted that conventional crackers continued to be sold illegally despite the ban, while consumers could not buy tested green products.

The court said enforcement and coordination among authorities needed improvement. It allowed a temporary, regulated period for certified crackers while directing officials to collect evidence on their impact.

The bench considered the right to practise religion under Article 25 alongside the right to life under Article 21, which includes the right to a healthy environment. It said religious practice remains subject to public order, health and other fundamental rights.

The case began with a 2015 petition filed on behalf of three minors seeking restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. The latest order follows a three-day relaxation in October 2025 and a complete ban imposed across the region in December 2024.