Delhi's Firecracker Ban Controversy: A Six-Decade Journey From 1961 to Present Supreme Court Deliberations

The Supreme Court initially implemented a firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR during 2014-15. (Representational)

New Delhi:

The controversy surrounding Delhi's firecracker ban extends back several decades. Official records preserved by the Delhi Archives Department reveal that as early as 1961, pollution concerns from crackers prompted consideration of a ban, though ultimately the Indian government did not approve such measures.

In January 1961, the Deputy Ganj Committee—an industrial market association operating in Sadar Bazar, Delhi—addressed a letter to Delhi's chief commissioner expressing concerns about noise pollution resulting from widespread firecracker usage during festivals and celebrations.

This correspondence was subsequently forwarded from the chief commissioner's office, then the executive authority of the capital functioning under India's government, to the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Supply for consideration, according to documents accessed by PTI.

More than six decades later, the firecracker ban debate continues unresolved.

On Friday, the Supreme Court stated that a complete prohibition on firecracker bursting across Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal," noting such restrictions are frequently violated and a balanced approach is necessary.

This observation, suggesting potential relaxation of current restrictions, came from a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. The court reserved its judgment on petitions seeking authorization to manufacture and sell "green" firecrackers within Delhi-NCR.

In 1961, Delhi's population was approximately 26 lakh—merely a fraction of today's over two crore residents. Nevertheless, firecracker noise pollution was already a significant public concern.

The Deputy Ganj Committee's letter detailed how deafening noise from high-decibel crackers caused distress among residents, particularly those with cardiac conditions.

"During the course of the fireworks display, it appears as if a complete warfare is going on outside," stated the association, noting authorities seemed "immune to the situation".

The committee proposed several regulatory measures including a complete ban on high-decibel crackers, prohibition of fireworks after 10 pm, strict licensing for firecracker manufacturing and sales, and substantial penalties for violations.

These recommendations were documented in records maintained by the Delhi Archive department.

The secretary to India's government in the Ministry of Works, Housing and Supply responded to the chief commissioner of Delhi, stating "a total ban was not considered necessary".

The government noted that cracker manufacturing was already regulated under the Indian Explosives Act and Rules, and cracker sizes had been reduced in 1958 "with a view to minimising the noise produced by their firing," according to the official correspondence.

The government suggested addressing the issue through "intensive police vigilance" and by prohibiting fireworks near hospitals and residential areas after certain nighttime hours through local regulations.

They also mentioned appointing technical staff to inspect licensed factories and prevent irregular cracker manufacturing.

During this period, Delhi lacked a chief minister, as the Delhi Legislative Assembly had been dissolved in 1956 following the tenure of the city's first chief minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash (1952-1955).

The chief commissioner operated under the direct authority of India's president until the establishment of the Delhi Metropolitan Council in 1966.

The Supreme Court first imposed its ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during 2014-15 in response to escalating pollution levels.