The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned to October 10 the hearing on matters related to the manufacture and sale of ‘green’ crackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was scheduled to examine the Centre’s report and other pending issues, but deferred the proceedings after the law officer representing the Centre sought an adjournment, which the court allowed.
Case Background
On September 26, the top court had allowed certified manufacturers to produce ‘green’ crackers but directed that no sale would be permitted in Delhi-NCR without the court’s explicit approval. The court also asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to revisit the blanket ban on firecracker manufacturing in the region.
It further instructed the ministry to consult all stakeholders — including the Delhi government, manufacturers, and sellers — before taking a final call on the matter.
Manufacturers Seek Early Hearing
During Wednesday’s hearing, senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for several green cracker manufacturers, requested the court to hear the case before Diwali, citing the time-sensitive nature of production and sales. The bench agreed and scheduled the matter for Friday, October 10.
In its previous order, the court stated, “In the meantime, we permit the manufacturers who are having the certification of green crackers as certified by NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) as well as PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) to manufacture.
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