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A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant said the court would adopt a “balanced approach” to the issue.
The Supreme Court of India.
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the link between bursting firecrackers and religious practices, with Justice Joymalya Bagchi asking, “What do firecrackers have to do with religion?” as the court heard arguments on restrictions on firecracker use in Delhi-NCR.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant said the court would adopt a “balanced approach” to the issue, making it clear that it would not hurt religious sentiments.
“We will not hurt religious sentiments, but we will see what a balanced approach can be,” CJI Surya Kant said.
The bench observed that there was still sufficient time to appeal to people and explore the possibility of restricting firecracker use to specific hours. The court also stressed the importance of public awareness and civic responsibility, saying citizens and civil society should understand their responsibilities in light of the prevailing situation.
‘Even God Would Be Surprised’: Lawyer On Firecracker Use
During the hearing, a lawyer argued that bursting firecrackers does not fall within the fundamental right to religious freedom. While worship is an expression of religious faith, the lawyer submitted, bursting crackers is not.
“Even God would be surprised,” the lawyer remarked while making the argument. Justice Bagchi then questioned why firecrackers were being linked to religion.
The hearing comes amid a long-running legal debate over regulating firecracker use in Delhi-NCR during the winter months, when severe air pollution coincides with major festivals. The court indicated that a practical solution, including limiting the hours during which firecrackers may be burst, could be considered.
CJI Surya Kant had earlier observed that if the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, people might start bursting them during the daytime instead.
Supreme Court On Firecracker Ban: What Happened Earlier?
At a similar hearing on September 30, a bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale indicated that it was inclined to accept a suggestion to permit firecrackers, subject to conditions.
During those proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought time until October 15 to submit the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) report on barium-based firecrackers. She said outdoor testing of such crackers was yet to be conducted.
The proceedings stem from a 2015 case in which the Supreme Court issued a series of directions regulating the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers, particularly in view of deteriorating air quality in Delhi and neighbouring regions.
The court had earlier imposed a blanket prohibition on firecracker use in Delhi before subsequently permitting the sale and bursting of approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a limited period around Diwali in 2025.
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Ask News18The Supreme Court questioned the link between bursting firecrackers and religious practices, with Justice Joymalya Bagchi asking what firecrackers have to do with religion during a hearing on restrictions in Delhi-NCR.
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October 12, 2026, 12:21 IST
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