The Supreme Court talked about whether they should allow making and using green fireworks. They haven’t made a decision yet. The case was about Green Fire Crackers, with one filed by BJP leader Manoj Tiwari, challenging a ban on firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi in 2022.
During the hearing, the court questioned if they had authority over the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and said it’s essential to trust primary institutions. The government explained that Barium was banned for the 2018 Diwali.
The court noted that currently, all fireworks are banned, whether they are green or not. Delhi Police haven’t issued permanent licenses for firecrackers since 2016. All permanent firework manufacturing licenses have been revoked, and the police will inspect all licensee premises.
The court stressed that punishing only those who set off the fireworks isn’t enough, and authorities need to address the source.
A senior advocate pointed out that wealthy individuals can buy expensive fireworks and return to their air-conditioned homes with air purifiers. He also raised concerns about the health effects of barium.
The Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO) explained the approval process for green fireworks and classified them into sound-emitting, light-emitting, and combination fireworks.
The Ministry of Environment updated the court on actions taken by agencies and fireworks manufacturers to address concerns raised by the court regarding green fireworks.
The Ministry requested permission from the Supreme Court to oversee the quality control and implementation of green fireworks.
The Supreme Court was hearing a plea about the use of firecrackers during Diwali festivals. In 2021, they clarified that only fireworks containing barium salts are prohibited, not all firecrackers.
