Arjun Gopal vs Union Of India .

2026 INSC 1181
REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
I.A. No. 245432/2026
I.A. No. 251493/2026
I.A. No. 245387/2026
I.A. No. 264010/2026
I.A. No. 325852/2025
I.A. No. 103495/2026
in
Writ Petition (Civil) No. 728/2015
ARJUN GOPAL & ORS. Petitioner(s)
VERSUS
UNION OF INDIA & ORS. Respondent(s)
WITH
Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 15/2026
ORDER
1. I.A. No. 245432/2026 seeking intervention on behalf of the Delhi Fireworks
Shopkeepers Association and I.A. No. 245387/2026 seeking intervention on
Signature Not Verified
Digitally signed by
SWETA BALODI
Date: 2026.11.02
14:29:53 IST
Reason:
behalf of Federation of Fireworks Traders, are allowed.
Page 1 of 23

2. We have heard Ms. Uttara Babbar, the learned Amicus Curiae , Mr. Gopal
Sankaranarayanan, the learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the writ
petitioners, Mr. J. Sai Deepak, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the
intervening applicant(s) and Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, the learned Additional
Solicitor General of India ( ‘ASG’ ) appearing on behalf of the Union of India,
Government of NCT of Delhi (for short, ‘ GNCTD’ ) and the Commission for
Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (for
short, ‘ CAQM’ ).
PRELUDE
3. Philosophers and thinkers of Ancient India have always treated environment as
an integral part of religion. For them, all the living beings are one and the same.
Life, truly exists in every being and form, apart from human beings. In their
profound wisdom, any religious practice, including the celebration of a festival,
should facilitate this heightened thinking in every possible way. This is evident
in the way that the natural elements such as air, water, fire, earth and the sky are
treated as gods and worshipped with great reverence.
4. ‘Deepawali ’ or ‘ Diwali’ is the festival of lights. Over the centuries, it has
partaken the character of a national festival, so much so that, at present, one can
even consider it as an international festival. The festival is celebrated by people
regardless of their caste, community and religion. It is a festival celebrated for
Page 2 of 23

centuries, bringing joy and prosperity to every individual, dispelling darkness
and ensuring righteousness.
5. Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the ‘ Skandapurana’ and the ‘ Padmapurana’
refer to the use of lamps as a ritual, while observing the festival of Deepawali .
With the introduction of gun-powder in India a few centuries ago, the
celebration, underwent a change. This led to the introduction of bursting
firecrackers, which have been extensively done for many years.
6. Bursting of firecrackers, though constitutes a religious practice meant to
celebrate the occasion, shall result in severe environmental pollution, especially
air and noise, apart from the creation of solid wastes. The unregulated practice,
thus, affects everyone including the end user. Amongst human beings, children,
disabled and the elderly people constitute the most vulnerable groups. Every
year, the statistics also reflect a huge spike in the ‘Air Quality Index’ (for short,
‘AQI’ ) as well as the pollution levels, including the release of ‘Particulate
Matter’ ( for short, ‘PM’) in the atmosphere, after the festival is celebrated
across the country, and more significantly, in the Delhi-NCR region.
7. It is concerning to note that PM particles, emanating from firecrackers, stay in
the atmosphere for an extensive period of time, stretching up to several days
even after the culmination of the festival. These PM particles are so tiny and
microscopic, that once they enter the human body, it becomes incapable of
Page 3 of 23

filtration. Thus, these particles freely enter the bloodstream upon being inhaled,
causing substantial damage. The same position stands extended to other forms
of life. Over the years, this has resulted in an increase in health-related
complications.
8. Before we proceed to deal with the history of proceedings before this Court,
qua the Delhi-NCR region, it is apposite to mention that the said region has a
peculiar geographical setting, as there is no free passage of air, due to the low
wind speed which makes the pollution persist. Further, the temperature
inversion during the winter months aggravates the said phenomena.
BRIEF HISTORY OF PROCEEDINGS
9. Taking note of the then prevailing situation, a spate of directions has been
issued by this Court from time to time, since the year 2018, to regulate the
bursting of firecrackers, especially, in and around Delhi-NCR region.
10. On 23.10.2018, this Court in Arjun Gopal & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors .,
in W.P. (C.) No. 728/2015, while dealing with the issue of banning firecrackers,
struck a balance between the competing interests and permitted manufacture
and sale of crackers with reduced emission (improved crackers) and Green
Crackers. The directions thereunder held the field till the year 2024. In fact, an
application seeking complete ban was also dismissed by this Court on
29.10.2021.
Page 4 of 23

11. Thereafter in the year 2024, pursuant to the directions issued by this Court in
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India & Ors. in W.P.(C.) 13029/1985 on 11.11.2024,
GNCTD on 19.12.2024, imposed a complete perpetual ban on manufacturing,
storage, selling and bursting all kinds of firecrackers throughout the year, with
immediate effect from 01.01.2025. On the even date, this Court while noticing
the aforesaid order and a similar order passed by the State of Rajasthan,
directed the States of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a similar ban in
those parts of the State which fall into the National Capital Region. In
compliance thereof, the States of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana imposed a similar
ban. The same came to be extended by this Court on 17.01.2025.
12. On 03.04.2025, another order was passed by this Court observing that the issue
of reconsideration of the complete ban in order to permit the manufacturing,
storage, selling and bursting of the “so-called Green Crackers” will not be done
unless it is satisfied by scientific evidence, that the pollution caused by them is
bare minimum. This order further refused to take the view that was taken in
2018 by this Court in Arjun Gopal (supra), by noting that much water had
flown since the decision rendered in 2018.
13. By a subsequent order dated 26.09.2025, and after noting the lack of effective
implementation despite the ban, it was observed by this Court while issuing
certain directions, that a balanced approach would thus be required. The
Page 5 of 23

manufacturers possessing valid certification for green crackers were permitted
to manufacture, subject to filing an undertaking before this Court.
14. This was followed by a subsequent order dated 15.10.2025 in M.C. Mehta
(supra), wherein, the Court decided to follow the approach adopted by this
Court in the year 2018, and as a temporary measure issued the following
directions:
“ 24. In that view of the matter, as a temporary measure, we propose to follow the
approach adopted by this Court in the year 2018 in Arjun Gopal . We, therefore, issue
the following directions:
A. The sale of green crackers as uploaded on the website of NEERI shall be
permitted commencing from 18.10.2025 and continuing only till 20.10.2025.
B. The sale of these products shall be permitted only from the designated
locations in the entire National Capital Region which shall be identified by the
District Collectors/Commissioners in consultation with the District
Superintendent of Police and given wide publicity.
C. The police authorities, in consultation with the district administration shall
constitute patrolling teams to keep a vigil on the designated locations of sale,
including Officers as nominated from the Regional Offices of the State
Pollution Control Boards. The patrol teams so constituted shall acquaint
themselves with the green cracker products as uploaded in the website of
NEERI and the registrations granted as also the QR Codes issued to individual
manufacturers.
D. The patrol teams shall conduct regular reconnaissance in the designated sites
to ensure that only the permitted products shall be sold and that too having the
QR Codes issued. They shall also take random samples for the purpose of
analysis, which shall be transmitted to PESO. On violations noticed, the
responsibility shall attach to those involved in manufacturing or sale of
prohibited products who shall not only be penalised but also their
licence/registration from PESO or with NEERI shall stand cancelled.
E . The district administration and the police shall ensure that use of
firecrackers shall be confined between 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to
10:00 PM on the two days i.e., the one before and on the Diwali day.
F. The sale shall be only through licensed traders and of the products i.e. the
green crackers manufactured by those who are registered with the NEERI and
obtained license from PESO. Any firecracker seized which are not
manufactured by the registered/licensed manufacturers shall be immediately
confiscated.
Page 6 of 23

G. There shall be no firecrackers allowed into the NCR region from outside the
said region.
H. The use of firecrackers with Barium and those not approved by the NEERI
as green cracker, shall not be permitted and if found for sale or in the
possession of individuals/traders, the same shall be confiscated immediately.
I. There shall be no manufacture or sale of firecrackers joined in series (laris).
J. There shall be no sale or purchase of firecrackers through e-commerce
networks and any supply of such products shall be detained and the product
confiscated.
K. The licences of traders, expired or cancelled after the ban was introduced
shall be renewed for the period stipulated by the statutory authorities.
L. The Central Pollution Control Board, in consultation with the State
Pollution Control Boards and their respective regional offices within the
districts coming under the NCR shall monitor the air quality index in their
respective jurisdictions starting from 14.10.2025 till 25.10.2025 and file a
report before this Court, specifying the air quality of each day indicated
hereinabove. Along with such monitoring the Regional Offices of the State
Pollution Control Boards shall also take samples of sand and water from
sites having more density of use for analysis.
M. We make it clear that the relaxation is only on a test case basis and the
same shall be only for the period specified.”
(emphasis supplied)
15. Needless to state, the aforesaid order was only in the nature of a temporary
relaxation, facilitating further action on a trial basis for a specified period.
PRESENT PROCEEDINGS
16. We are cognizant of the fact that the efforts made so far have not improved the
situation till date. Despite the clear directions issued by this Court time and
again, neither was there effective implementation to the satisfaction of this
Court, nor were any of the relevant materials/documents placed to our
satisfaction.
Page 7 of 23

17. As the festival of Deepawali approaches, the instant applications have also been
filed seeking appropriate orders by various stakeholders seeking the following
reliefs:
i. I.A. NO. 251493/2026 – The Application for directions on behalf of
Delhi Fireworks Shopkeepers Association seeking restoration/
reinstatement of licenses cancelled.
ii. I.A. NO. 264010/2026 – The Application for directions on behalf of
Federation of Fireworks Traders seeking directions to allow manufacture,
storage, sale and use of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research –
National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (for short,
‘CSIR-NEERI’) approved green crackers in the National Capital
Region.
iii. I.A. NO. 325852/2025 – The Application on behalf of the Respondent
No. 7- Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (for short,
‘MoEF&CC’ ), seeking directions to permit the use of further reduced
quantities of Barium Nitrate in the formulation for the manufacture and
sale for the products as tested by the RACE facility, Sivakasi and CSIR-
NEERI, Nagpur, achieving an emission reduction of 45-50%, and already
submitted to the MoEF&CC, which has been duly approved by
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (for short, ‘PESO’ ), while
Page 8 of 23

ensuring full compliance with all prescribed safety standards, and
ancillary reliefs.
iv. I.A. NO. 103495/2026 – The Application on behalf of the Petitioners
seeking directions to impose a complete ban on the manufacture,
transport, distribution, sale, purchase and use of all firecrackers seeking
directions for suspension of license of all manufacturers and distributors
of firecrackers in India and to direct the State Government and Police to
take immediate steps against anyone seeking to manufacture, sell or
purchase firecrackers.
SUBMISSIONS
18. Learned Amicus Curiae , Ms. Uttara Babbar by placing substantial reliance on
the documents filed, backed by the submissions made Mr. Gopal
Sankarnarayanan, learned Senior Counsel, submitted that the prevailing
situation warrants a complete ban on manufacture, storage, sale and usage of
firecrackers. It is further submitted that a comprehensive assessment on the
health of the inhabitants of Delhi-NCR, as a consequence of bursting
firecrackers, shall have to be conducted. Such an exercise becomes imperative,
especially, when the so-called preventive and regulatory measures purported to
be undertaken by various authorities have not yielded any positive result to
reduce the levels of pollution or the AQI levels.
Page 9 of 23

19. Learned Senior Counsel Mr. J. Sai Deepak appearing for the intervening
applicant(s) submitted that the intervenors are the traders or manufacturers, who
have been duly licensed to carry out or engage in the manufacturing, storage
and sale of firecrackers, and their goods have cleared the rigours of tests
conducted and duly complied with all the terms and conditions stipulated by
various authorities such as CSIR-NEERI, etc. Hence, by not restoring or
reinstating their licenses, thereby preventing them from doing their business
would facilitate the business of illegal firecrackers, manufactured and
transported from across the border. Such firecrackers would certainly be more
hazardous in nature and, therefore, the very purpose of imposing a ban would
be defeated.
20. It is further submitted that for the purpose of necessary compliance by the
proposed violators, stricter implementation is required with specific reference to
registration of fireworks traders and printing of a Quick Response Code ( for
short , ‘QR Code’ ) by the concerned manufacturer on the packaging of the
firecracker.
21. Learned ASG appearing for the respondent(s) highlighted the measures which
have been taken so far, and the proposed steps which are to be undertaken
commencing from November, 2026 in the territory of Delhi-NCR. Accordingly,
she has assured this Court that the proposed Action Plan to mitigate pollution
Page 10 of 23

would be given effect to, and the entire machinery is geared up for tackling the
environmental pollution days following the festivals.
DISCUSSION
22. It is not in dispute that the right to practice, profess and propagate religion
conferred under Article 25(1) of the Constitution is certainly subject to public
order, morality, health and other provisions of Part III of the Constitution. This
Court has repeatedly held that the ‘right to life’ envisaged under Article 21 of
the Constitution includes the right to a healthy, safe and a pollution-free
environment, and the said position has been crystallized and, hence, requires no
repetition. Therefore, the right of an individual to engage in a particular
practice, which may have a religious color, is only a qualified one and cannot
go beyond the Constitutional restrictions.
23. The fact remains that bursting firecrackers would certainly cause pollution. We
find that the measures undertaken either by the authorities based on the orders
of this Court or by their own, have not yielded the desired result. Therefore, it
can be seen that the problem lies in the implementation. Certainly, there has to
be better coordination amongst all relevant stakeholders. We are of the opinion
that the process of regulating, implementing and monitoring by the authorities
should continue not only during the festival times, but more importantly, even
thereafter. In fact, there has to be a periodic review of the environmental
Page 11 of 23

pollution and its consequential effects, after the festive season. The data with
respect the AQI ought to be collected from different AQI monitoring stations
managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (for short, ‘CPCB’ ) and Delhi
Pollution Control Committee (for short, ‘DPCC’ ). We are also of the view that
statistics pertaining to increase in the number of patients, as well as the reported
deaths, if any, due to the pollution, have to be collected from Hospitals and
Health Care Centres across Delhi-NCR. Further discussion and deliberation
should take place between requisite stakeholders, including public health
officials, towards alleviation of environmental pollution.
24. We are also conscious of the fact that the celebration of Deepawali has a
religious, social, psychological and emotional connotation amongst people,
creating a positive atmosphere of hope, welfare and prosperity. That being said,
allowing the environment to degrade, which results in a health hazard to all the
living beings, defeats the very purpose of the festivities, and the celebrations
would be rendered nugatory. All parties before us are ad idem on the fact that
bursting of firecrackers is contributing enormously to the pollution in the Delhi-
National Capital Region.
25. The issue before us at present is whether the situation warrants a complete ban
on firecrackers, or whether the same must be regulated. Though imposition of a
blanket ban seems to be the ideal solution, we are of the opinion that this Court,
Page 12 of 23

at this point in time, is short of adequate data to decide whether or not a
complete ban would be the best solution to solve the problem of environmental
pollution, caused by bursting firecrackers. At the cost of repetition, this Court
has not been furnished with adequate data as to whether the complete ban on
firecrackers imposed in 2024 in Delhi-NCR has served its purpose, particularly,
since there has been no significant improvement in the AQI readings.
26. While considering the detrimental effect due to potential entry of illegal
firecrackers in the Indian market, and to balance the competing interests, this
Court had passed directions vide its order dated 15.10.2025, relaxing the
complete ban that had been imposed previously. Another intention behind the
temporary relaxation was also to enable the States to precisely determine the
effects of allowing bursting of Green Crackers on the environment and health,
and place its findings before this Court, to enable it to take a decision.
Unfortunately, we find that the State has utterly failed in complying with the
directions thereunder.
27. Thereafter, the situation has not improved even after resumption of the
complete ban on firecrackers. The background note submitted by the learned
Amicus Curiae also shows that despite there being a complete ban, there was a
significant spike in the AQI levels on the day of Dussehra festival and the
following day this year. Further, it is worrisome to note that despite the
Page 13 of 23

complete ban having resumed, as aforestated, conventional firecrackers were
sold and continue to be sold under the guise of Green Crackers. This clearly
indicates that the complete ban is not only facilitating the illegal sale of
firecrackers, but also preventing people from purchasing legitimate Green
Crackers and Next-Generation Joined Green Crackers, which have been tested
at established facilities.
28. The non-implementation and flouting of the directions passed in various orders
of this Court has also been a recurring problem. Hence, this Court is inclined to
regulate the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of green firecrackers,
instead of maintaining the complete ban on the same, for a temporary period, in
view of the aforesaid discussion.
DIRECTIONS
29. Accordingly, by taking note of the balanced approach adopted by this Court in
Arjun Gopal (supra) in 2018 and M.C. Mehta (supra) in 2025, we issue the
following directions:
GENERAL DIRECTIVES
A. The permission to burst firecrackers is granted on the same lines, as passed
by this Court vide order dated 15.10.2025. Accordingly, the authorities shall
ensure that bursting of firecrackers is allowed only between 6:00 A.M. –
7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. on 7th and 8th November, 2026.
Page 14 of 23

B. There shall not be any bursting of fireworks within a 300-metre radius of
hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health centres, old-age homes
and any notified silence zones. These areas will be declared as ‘No-Cracker
Zones’, and shall be marked on the ground and published. The same
restriction shall also be applicable to educational institutions. All necessary
efforts will have to be made to ensure due compliance as endeavours should
be made not to cause any inconvenience to those who are suffering from
ailments.
QUA MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS
C. The firecracker and fireworks manufacturers who possess valid certification
for the Green Crackers, as certified by the CSIR-NEERI, as well as PESO,
are permitted to manufacture only those Green Crackers that have been
uploaded on the website of CSIR-NEERI from 02.11.2026 to 06.11.2026.
D. The boxes containing the Green Crackers must be completely sealed to
ensure that they are not mixed with any of the unauthorised or conventional
firecrackers.
E. There shall be no manufacture or sale of firecrackers joined in series
(‘ ladis’ ) and garlands. It is reiterated that the use of firecrackers with Barium
and those not approved by the CSIR-NEERI as Green Crackers, shall not be
permitted.
Page 15 of 23

F. Each of such boxes shall contain the QR code, and there shall be sale of only
those firecrackers that carry product-specific QR codes. Every box should
carry a QR code issued for the specific product and batch. Upon scanning
the QR code, it should show the manufacturer, NEERI registration,
PESO/DM License, formulation and test certificate. QR codes must be non-
transferable, and the sale of QR codes shall be treated as a violation leading
to cancellation of registration license.
G. The licences of traders that have been cancelled, shall be restored for a
temporary period commencing from 04.11.2026 to 06.11.2026, to facilitate
the sale of approved green crackers purchased from CSIR-NEERI certified
manufacturers. Such licences shall be immediately cancelled, if they are
found flouting the aforesaid directions, and they shall be prohibited from
selling the firecrackers during the remaining period.
QUA STATE MACHINERY
H. We direct the concerned authorities to mandate all manufacturers and traders
of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR to furnish a monetary security, which shall be a
handsome amount, as determined by them. The said security deposit shall
immediately stand forfeited, in case any manufacturer or trader of
firecrackers violates any of the directions passed by this Court, and the
regulations governing.
Page 16 of 23

I. The District Collectors/Commissioners, in consultation with the concerned
District Superintendent of Police, shall identify and designate locations in
the entire National Capital Region to facilitate the sale of the Green
Crackers. The sale of firecrackers shall be strictly prohibited in any other
location, other than the designated ones, including sale through online
platforms.
J. Steps will have to be taken to stop the flow of illegal and conventional
firecrackers. For the aforesaid purpose, the concerned authorities will have
to check the vehicles entering into the territory of Delhi-NCR and take
appropriate actions.
K. Measures must also be taken by the authorities to put up banners at such
designated locations, including shops, to inform the general public of the
following:
i. Mode of identifying if the goods that are being sold are CSIR-
NEERI approved Green Crackers.
ii. To ensure that the boxes in which the Green Crackers are being
sold are properly sealed.
iii. The dates on which the sale of Green Crackers is permitted, as
well as the dates and timings at which bursting of Green
Crackers is permitted.
Page 17 of 23

iv. The mode on how and where to file any complaint against the
manufacturers or traders, who are found to be violating the
directions passed by this Court and the regulations governing.
v.
The consequential action that will be taken for bursting the
firecrackers beyond the stipulated time, as provided by this
Court.
In the context of the aforesaid directions, we further direct that the
shopkeepers and traders shall affix a copy of these directions in a
conspicuous place in their shops and also facilitate the concerned authorities
to ensure necessary compliance.
L. The Police authorities, in coordination with the District administration in
Delhi-NCR, shall constitute patrolling teams consisting of a sufficient
number of Police officers and other necessary personnel, to keep a vigil on
the designated locations of sale of such Green Crackers.
M. The patrolling teams are directed to acquaint themselves with this order and
the directions issued herein. They shall also be acquainted with the requisite
details of the Green Crackers, as uploaded on the website of CSIR-NEERI.
N. The teams shall undertake regular reconnaissance in such designated sites to
ensure compliance with the directions contained herein. Illegal or
conventional firecrackers shall be confiscated immediately, and prosecutions
shall be initiated against the offending manufacturers or traders, including
Page 18 of 23

those who have violated any of the directions passed by this Court and the
regulations governing. These teams shall also conduct checks at random
intervals of the QR codes contained on the products to ensure their veracity
and authenticity.
O. The CPCB, in consultation with the State Pollution Control Boards and their
respective regional offices within the districts coming under the NCR, shall
monitor the AQI readings in their respective jurisdictions and prepare reports
in the following manner:
i. Pre-Diwali report: A report shall be prepared specifying the air
quality of each day from 02.11.2026 to 06.11.2026.
ii. Diwali report: A report shall be prepared specifying the air quality
of each day on 07.11.2026 and 08.11.2026.
iii. Post-Diwali Report: A report shall be prepared specifying the air
quality of each day from 09.11.2026 to 30.11.2026.
iv. Samples of sand and water shall also be collected during the
aforesaid period in order to do a comparative analysis.
P. The AQI Monitoring Stations, which are alleged to be non-functional, as no
data could be retrieved therefrom, ought to be inspected once again. If any
defects in their functioning are found, they will have to be rectified with
immediate effect. All possible endeavours shall be made for effective
monitoring of AQI levels.
Page 19 of 23

Q. Appropriate measures will have to be taken after the festival is over. This
will include the clearing of all solid waste, as well as its management and
disposal. Further, the most polluted areas shall be cleansed using water
sprinklers, amongst any other measures that may possibly be undertaken.
R. The State Authorities, including the Government of GNCTD, shall duly
notify and publish the measures proposed to be taken, including the Winter
Action Plan 2026, Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2026 and the CAQM
Annual Action Plan amongst others, along with their advisory in the leading
newspapers and news channels.
S. The Secretaries of the concerned Education Departments of all the States
falling within the National Capital Region to take adequate steps to sensitize
the children studying in schools on the impact of pollution, especially during
the festival times.
T. The State shall direct the respective departments to take steps to notify and
publish the directions contained herein, and the measures proposed to be
taken by the State machinery to comply with the same. It shall also contain
awareness regarding the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers on the
environment and health of all living beings. The concerned departments
shall also publish the same on their official websites and their social media
Page 20 of 23

handles. The State shall also direct the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to use
its audio systems for achieving the said purpose.
U. Needless to the state that the complete ban on the firecrackers, as imposed
earlier, shall be restored with effect from 09.11.2026.
COMPLIANCE REPORTS TO BE FURNISHED
V. In order to ensure strict compliance by the authorities in its true letter and
spirit, we pass the following directions to the State machineries falling in
Delhi-NCR:
i. To file an affsidavit indicating the precise steps taken in compliance
with directions issued under direction H.
ii. To file an affidavit indicating the precise steps taken in compliance
with directions issued under directions I, J, K and L.
iii. To file a detailed report supported by an affidavit indicating the
actions taken and prosecutions initiated against those offenders,
found in violation of the aforesaid directions issued under direction
N .
iv.
To file the reports supported by affidavits, as prepared under
direction O.
v.
To file an affidavit on the impact of bursting firecrackers,
categorically stating the exact extent of the increase of admission of
patients till 30.11.2026, in all Hospitals and Health Centres across
Delhi-NCR, following the festival.
Page 21 of 23

Accordingly, all the aforesaid reports supported by affidavits shall be filed
on or before 14.12.2026. Needless to state, strict actions of contempt will be
taken against the responsible officials, if the aforesaid directions are not
complied with.
CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD
30. It is made clear that we are inclined to monitor the progress on the
implementation through periodic hearing of the instant writ petitions.
31. Regardless of the directions passed by this Court to regulate the upcoming
situation, the endeavour is to bring about a holistic change for which the public
perception has to change. One must embrace the Precautionary Principle by
being proactive to prevent issues, instead of merely reacting after they have
occurred.
32. While parting, we wish to make a sincere plea regarding the feasibility of
raising awareness by the members of the Bar, prominent personalities, including
celebrities and sportspersons, to lend their voice and influence through a
voluntary public-awareness campaign. Such participation can play a significant
role in encouraging citizens to celebrate the upcoming festivals in a safe,
responsible, and environmentally conscious manner, without causing harm to
public health, or aggravating the already precarious air quality.
Page 22 of 23

33. List the instant interlocutory applications for further compliance on 16.12.2026.
……………………………………………...J.
[M.M. SUNDRESH]
……………………………………………...J.
[PRASANNA B. VARALE]
NEW DELHI;
OCTOBER 29, 2026.
Page 23 of 23