Supreme Court Rules on Pataka Regulations and Permitted Hours for Diwali

Supreme Court Issues Directives on Pataka Regulations for Deepavali

The Supreme Court has addressed the religious practice of bursting a pataka during Deepavali by permitting the use of certified green alternatives for a limited period in the Delhi National Capital Region. The bench observed that unregulated fireworks have historically driven up the Air Quality Index and worsened regional pollution levels.

While acknowledging the festive, social, and emotional significance of the celebrations, the court emphasized that individual practices with a religious color remain subject to constitutional restrictions and environmental safeguards. The judiciary noted that past complete bans had inadvertently fueled illegal sales while restricting access to authorized eco-friendly options.

Permitted Time Slots and No-Cracker Zones

Under the recent directives, certified low-emission fireworks may only be ignited on November 7 and November 8. The permitted operational windows are strictly set between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., and again from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Authorities have also established mandatory 300-metre no-cracker zones around sensitive areas. These buffer zones completely prohibit fireworks near hospitals, nursing homes, primary health centres, old age homes, educational institutions, and any officially notified silence zones.

Standards for Certified Green Firecrackers

To curb environmental damage, the court mandated that only items certified by CSIR-NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation may be manufactured and sold. These authorized goods include specific variants known as SWAS, STAR, and SAFAL, which utilize modified fuel-oxidizer proportions and dust suppressants to lower particulate and gaseous output.

All compliant boxes must feature product-specific QR codes and official logos to verify their authenticity. Furthermore, authorities have banned the manufacture and sale of firecrackers joined in series, commonly known as ladis, to further control emissions and noise disturbances.

Sources: The Hindu, The Times of India, Telegraph India.