‘Green’ cracker or not, still banned: Supreme Court holds firm on NCR firecracker ban

The Supreme Court has upheld its complete ban on the sale and manufacture of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, including green variants. The court stressed that clean air is a basic right under Article 21 and that public health cannot be compromised. Dismissing appeals from firecracker traders, the court said the ban will remain until firecrackers are proven to be nearly pollution-free. It also reminded petitioners that not everyone can afford air purifiers, especially those who work outdoors.