Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR on Diwali 2026: Supreme Court Timings, QR Checks and Rules

The Supreme Court has allowed certified green crackers on 7 and 8 November 2026. The complete firecracker ban returns on 9 November.

If you plan to burst crackers this Diwali in Delhi-NCR, you have two days, fixed hours and strict conditions. A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale has permitted the manufacture, sale and bursting of approved green crackers for a limited period, in an order that LiveLaw reported on 2 November 2026. It follows a 29 October hearing in which the Court pushed for a firecracker-free Diwali and questioned how well earlier restrictions were being enforced. The Court has called the relaxation temporary and directed that the complete ban be restored from 9 November 2026. The directions are broadly in line with last year’s order, but with longer bursting windows and new reporting duties. 

When Can You Burst Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR?

These windows are longer than the two short slots allowed last year, so do not rely on older timings. Traders whose licences had been cancelled have had them restored from 4 to 6 November, only to sell approved green crackers from certified manufacturers. This is not a general permission to make, sell or use conventional firecrackers.

Which Green Crackers Are Allowed, and How to Check the QR Code

Only crackers approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) qualify. They must come from manufacturers with valid certification and a licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and must be among the products uploaded on the CSIR-NEERI website between 2 and 6 November. Boxes must be completely sealed.

The Court has prohibited barium-based crackers, products not approved by CSIR-NEERI, and crackers joined in series, known as ladis or garlands.

Every box must carry a QR code issued for that product and batch. Scanning it should show the manufacturer, the CSIR-NEERI registration, the PESO or District Magistrate licence, the formulation and the test certificate. QR codes are non-transferable, and selling one can cost a manufacturer or trader their registration or licence. If the code does not scan or the details do not match, do not buy the product. A “green” label on the box is not proof of approval.

Where You Can Buy and Where You Cannot Burst

Sale is allowed only at locations designated by District Collectors or Commissioners with the district police. Selling anywhere else, including online, is prohibited. Police patrolling teams must inspect these locations and verify QR codes, confiscate illegal crackers, prosecute offenders and check vehicles entering Delhi-NCR. Manufacturers and traders must furnish a security deposit, which is forfeited if they violate the directions, and the Court has warned of contempt action against officials who fail to comply.

No-Cracker Zones: Where You Cannot Burst Crackers

Crackers cannot be burst within 300 metres of:

• hospitals and nursing homes
• primary and district health centres
• old-age homes
• notified silence zones
• educational institutions

Authorities must declare these areas No-Cracker Zones, mark them on the ground and publicise them. The Court has also asked that efforts be made to avoid inconvenience to people suffering from ailments. Even during the permitted hours, check where you are before you light anything.

Green Crackers Are Not Pollution-Free, and What Happens Next

Green crackers are designed to emit less, not nothing. The Court has ordered the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards to report air quality daily before Diwali (2 to 6 November), during it (7 and 8 November) and after it (9 to 30 November). Authorities must also report the exact rise in hospital in-patient admissions across Delhi-NCR up to 30 November. Children, older people and those with respiratory or heart conditions are the most affected by smoke, so treat the permitted hours as an upper limit, not a target.

The Court has also urged the Bar, celebrities and sportspersons to back a voluntary awareness campaign, an idea it raised at the 29 October hearing as well.

From 9 November the complete ban is back in force. The reports and affidavits on enforcement are due by 14 December 2026, and the matter is listed for compliance on 16 December 2026. That review will show whether the safeguards worked.

Quick Checklist for Delhi-NCR Residents

• Burst crackers only on 7 November (6 AM to 8 PM) or 8 November (7 AM to 10 PM).
• Buy only from designated sale points, never online.
• Buy only sealed, CSIR-NEERI-approved green crackers and scan the QR code.
• Avoid barium-based crackers, ladis and garlands.
• Stay at least 300 metres from hospitals, old-age homes, schools and other protected places.
• Report suspected violations to your local authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are green crackers allowed in Delhi-NCR on Diwali 2026?

Yes. The Supreme Court has permitted the bursting of approved green crackers on 7 and 8 November 2026, subject to the prescribed timings and other restrictions.

What are the permitted timings for bursting green crackers in Delhi-NCR?

The permitted hours are 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on 7 November 2026 and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on 8 November 2026.

Can I buy green crackers online in Delhi-NCR?

No. The Court has restricted sales to designated locations and prohibited the sale of firecrackers through online platforms.

How can I check whether green crackers are genuine?

Check the product’s approval and certification details, scan the QR code on the packaging and verify that the information matches the product. Buy only from authorised sellers and avoid products with missing or unverifiable details.

Where are green crackers prohibited even during the permitted hours?

Crackers cannot be burst within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.

When does the complete firecracker ban resume?

The complete ban will be restored from 9 November 2026.

Case Reference

Arjun Gopal & Others v. Union of India & Others

• Case number: W.P.(C) No. 728/2015
• Bench: Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale
• Reported: 2 November 2026
• Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (SC) 1115

Read the full order (PDF) or see more LiveLaw coverage of the case.

Source: LiveLaw, “Supreme Court Allows Certified Green Crackers In Delhi-NCR For Diwali On Nov 7-8; Year-Round Ban To Resume On Nov 9,” published 2 November 2026.

This article summarises the Supreme Court’s directions for general awareness and is not legal advice. Please read the full order and any later directions before acting on it.