Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 02-09-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Arjun Gopal & others; Respondent: Union of India.
- Writ Petition No. 728/2015 concerns the regulation of firecrackers, specifically the environmental impact of Barium in Generation‑2 green firecrackers and noise standards.
- Multiple Interlocutory Applications were listed: IA No.103495/2026, IA No.325852/2025, IA No.245432/2026, IA No.251493/2026, IA No.245387/2026, IA No.264010/2026.
- The Court issued notices on the applications, returnable on 30‑Sept‑2026 (or 19‑Sept‑2026 as noted).
Decisions (as per Additional Solicitor General’s written instructions)
1. Environmental Study: Using CPCB air‑quality data, four locations – Delhi, Bhopal, Kolkata and Chennai – were identified for testing. CSIR‑NEERI shall conduct the study on the impact of Barium content in Generation‑2 green firecrackers and submit a report following the agreed methodology. The Court granted CSIR‑NEERI a two‑week period to complete the testing/study.
2. Noise Standard Relaxation: Referring to the Supreme Court order dated 22‑Jul‑2026, a relaxation for new general joint firecrackers meeting the notified noise limit of 125 dB may be considered, provided conditions on shell number, shell size and time between bursts (as detailed in the Report on New Generation Joint Firecrackers) are satisfied and approved by the competent authority. The ASG is directed to furnish the specific measures concerning these parameters as indicated by CSIR‑NEERI’s report.
Final Outcome
- The Court ordered appropriate directions for IA No.103495/2026 and IA No.325852/2025, and interventions/directions for the remaining IAs.
- CSIR‑NEERI is tasked with a two‑week study on Barium impact at the four identified cities and must submit its findings.
- The ASG must provide detailed measures on shell specifications for the proposed noise‑standard relaxation.
- The Union of India’s Standing Counsel is instructed to file a reply on these matters.
Topics: Firecracker Regulation, Environmental Impact