Strict Supreme Court and administration rules govern firecrackers in DelhiHere is when and how you can burst green firecrackers, and whether violating the rules can mean jail time and fines.
Published: November 7, 2026, 9:43 PM IST
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Court orders and local administrative guidelines allow fireworks in Delhi-NCR on November 7 & 8File image
Strict rules now govern the sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi and the NCR, as authorities try to control air pollutionUnder orders from the Supreme Court and the administration, only green firecrackers are allowed, and only on designated dates and during limited hoursAnyone who breaks these rules faces six months to three years in prison and a heavy fine.
Smog and air pollution tend to get worse in Delhi during the winter months, and the administration along with the judiciary have now tightened the rules on using firecrackers even furtherGreen crackers can be burst in Delhi-NCR only on certain designated days and within a limited timeframeOfficials have also warned that anyone found violating these rules will face strict legal action, with environmental protection and the health of citizens cited as the reasons behind the restrictions.
Key rules on burning and selling firecrackers
Court orders and local administrative guidelines allow fireworks in Delhi-NCR on just two specific dates, November 7 and 8From November 9, the region will see a complete ban on firecrackersEven during those two days, though, fireworks can’t be burst round the clock, as they are restricted to certain fixed hours.
Bursting is allowed only in two daily windows: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pmAnything lit outside those times is illegalConventional firecrackers sold in local markets, including those with barium or chemical strings, are banned outrightOnly certified green crackers are permitted, and their packaging must clearly show a QR code that confirms they are genuine.
What is the punishment for breaking the rules?
If any person or businessman is found violating these rules of the administration, legal action will be taken against him under the sections mentioned below.
Burning or purchasing firecrackers illegally will lead to possible imprisonment of upto six months and a penalty of upto Rs 2000, while the illegal storage of, sale or manufacture of firecrackers will lead to rigorous imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 5,000.
What are the rules of burning and selling firecrackers?
Some of the rules of burning firecrackers include that setting off firecrackers of any kind within 300 meters of hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, educational institutions, and old age homes is strictly forbiddenAnother rule says that firecrackers cannot be sold through an e-commerce platform or any online mediumMeanwhile, green crackers can also be purchased only from licensed shops authorized by the district administration and police.
