Supreme Court Proposes Virat Kohli Campaign for Firecracker-Free Diwali
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October 30, 2026: Editorial correction (October 30, 2026): We originally reported that only nine of Delhi's 39 air-quality monitoring stations were operational, without explaining the period involved. Contemporary court reporting instead identifies nine stations that supplied continuous readings during the night of Diwali in October 2025. This was historical monitoring-data coverage, not an established count of stations operating in October 2026. We corrected the summary and body, added directly retrieved LiveLaw court coverage, and retained the original article and audit in backups. The 16 revised factual claims passed independent source evidence checks and an unpaid local Qwen audit.
The Supreme Court suggested involving cricketer Virat Kohli in a public awareness campaign to promote firecracker-free Diwali celebrations. This suggestion was made during a hearing on pollution from firecrackers, including permissible barium content. The court emphasized that fireworks were not part of Diwali’s original traditions, noting their introduction through gunpowder use in the 14th and 15th centuries. Justice Sundresh proposed engaging celebrated public figures like Kohli to help promote a festival of light without pollution.
Petitioner Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that firecracker pollution threatens the right to life, citing child labour and storage violations. He also requested a complete ban on manufacturing, claiming ongoing violations despite government consultations. Advocate J Sai Deepak countered that a blanket ban fuels black-market sales and smuggling, asserting the industry is regulated under the Explosives Act.
During the 2026 hearing, an amicus cited air-quality gaps from Diwali 2025, when only nine of Delhi's 39 stations provided continuous readings overnight. The court questioned Delhi's enforcement and requested details of inspections and action against illegal firecracker sales.
The court indicated a possible limited sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, reserving its final decision. It stressed that authorities must demonstrate real action, not just promises, to enforce restrictions during festivals.
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