Green crackers allowed in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8 is the latest decision announced by the Supreme Court ahead of Diwali 2026.
The court has permitted the use of certified green firecrackers during specific morning and evening hours, while continuing strict restrictions to limit pollution and protect vulnerable areas.
The temporary relaxation applies only for two days. From November 9, the complete ban on firecrackers will be restored across Delhi-NCR, as directed by the court.
 Green Crackers Allowed in Delhi-NCR: Exact Timings
The Supreme Court has permitted people to burst certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, 2026, during two specific time slots:
Morning: 6 am to 7 am
Evening: 8 pm to 10 pm
These timings apply on both days, covering the eve of Diwali and the festival day. Firecrackers cannot be used outside these permitted hours.
The order was passed by a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale. The court has adopted a limited relaxation instead of allowing unrestricted firecracker use throughout the day.
300-Metre No-Cracker Zones Around Hospitals and Schools
The court has prohibited the bursting of firecrackers within a 300-metre radius of hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.
These locations will be designated as No-Cracker Zones. Authorities have been directed to mark these restricted areas clearly and publicise the boundaries so residents know where firecracker use is prohibited.
 Only Certified Green Firecrackers Permitted
The relaxation does not allow people to use conventional firecrackers.
Only green 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) are permitted under the court’s directions.
Firecrackers containing barium and products that have not been approved as green crackers are prohibited. Joined firecrackers, commonly known as laris, and garlands of crackers are also not allowed.
Authorities have been directed to prevent the sale and use of illegal and conventional firecrackers in the region.
Complete Firecracker Ban Returns From November 9
The permission is temporary and applies only on November 7 and 8. The Supreme Court has directed that the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR will be restored from November 9, 2026.
Residents should therefore follow the permitted timings and use only certified products during the two-day relaxation.
They should also check official announcements for local enforcement instructions and the locations of designated No-Cracker Zones.
The decision allows limited Diwali celebrations while retaining restrictions intended to address air pollution and protect people in sensitive areas.
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