“Even Gods Will Be Surprised”: Firecracker Use Arguments Before the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court stated on Monday that it would take a “balanced approach” to the problem of firecracker use and that it would not offend religious beliefs. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) bench led by Justice Surya Kant stated during the hearing that there was still time to make an appeal to the public and think about limiting the usage of firecrackers to certain times. A long-pending case involving firecracker regulations in Delhi-NCR during the winter months, which overlap with multiple festivals, is currently being heard by the court.

“We will not hurt religious sentiments, but we will see what a balanced approach can be,” the chief justice said.

The court emphasized the necessity of a pragmatic approach to the matter while also highlighting the significance of civic engagement and public knowledge. According to the chief justice, it would be beneficial if people and civil society continued to be conscious of the current circumstances and their obligations.

A lawyer contended throughout the proceedings that the fundamental right to religious freedom does not include the ability to let off firecrackers. According to the lawyer, setting off firecrackers is not a manifestation of religious conviction, but worshiping is. “Even God would be surprised,” the lawyer remarked while making the argument. Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked why firecrackers are being linked to religion. “What do firecrackers have to do with religion?” he said.

Chief Justice Surya Kant had previously noted that people would begin setting off firecrackers throughout the day if the Supreme Court decided to outlaw them in Delhi-NCR. The hearing takes place in the midst of a continuing discussion about the usage of firecrackers and the necessity of striking a balance between religious customs and public concerns. The court stated that there was time to investigate a workable alternative, such as restricting the hours that firecrackers might be set off.

A bench of justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale stated during a similar hearing on September 30 that it was inclined to approve a proposal to allow firecrackers, but only under certain restrictions. Aishwarya Bhati, Additional Solicitor General, has requested until October 15 to record the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report on barium-based firecrackers, citing the lack of outside testing.

The proceedings stem from a 2015 case in which the Supreme Court issued a number of directives governing the production, distribution, and use of firecrackers, especially in light of the declining quality of the air in Delhi-NCR. Although the court had previously banned the use of firecrackers in Delhi, it later allowed the sale and detonation of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for a brief time during Diwali 2025.