Supreme Court Lifts Ban, Delhi Traders Scramble for Firecrackers Ahead of Diwali

Supreme Court’s last-minute order creates chaos in markets as supply struggles to meet demand

New Delhi, October 19:
After five years of restrictions on firecrackers, Delhi is set to witness one of its loudest Diwalis again—but traders are in a state of disarray. The Supreme Court’s sudden decision to lift the ban on the sale of firecrackers between October 18 and 20 has triggered panic buying among customers and a desperate scramble for supply among sellers.

Despite the ban since 2018, firecrackers continued to enter Delhi markets through illegal and unlicensed channels. In response, many traders had shifted to selling diyas, LED lights, and decorative items instead of crackers. This year’s last-minute policy reversal caught them unprepared.

Only 3 Out of 15 Licensed Traders Have Stock

“In our market, only 15 traders received licences this year, and only three actually have stock. The rest are struggling due to shortage,” said Rakesh Yadav, president of the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association.

Sadar Bazar, one of Delhi’s busiest Diwali markets, saw massive rush as customers lined up to buy flower pots, rockets, and sparklers. Many shopkeepers, however, stood helpless as empty shelves stared back.

Midnight Licensing, No Time to Buy Crackers

Licences were issued by Delhi Police at the last moment—some even at 1–2 a.m. on October 19, leaving sellers with barely 48–72 hours to bring stock.

“I got my application approved in the middle of the night. By the time I reached Jama Masjid market to procure crackers, everything was sold out,” said Kunal Kukku, a trader from Veer Savarkar Block.

Traders Rush to Palwal, Ghaziabad, Hapur for Stock

Since cracker production is not allowed in Delhi, traders have been rushing to neighbouring Palwal, Hapur, and Ghaziabad to get supplies.

“One day we are shopkeepers, next day we are travellers,” said a Seelampur trader. “I went to Palwal and found hundreds of sellers waiting outside one warehouse, hoping to get even a few boxes.”

Chandni Chowk Unprepared, Illegal Sales Continue

According to Sanjay Bhargava of Chandni Chowk Vyapar Mandal, “The licensing was timed horribly. Traders didn’t stock crackers because they assumed the ban would continue.” He added that many traders were already selling illegally before the ban was lifted.

A shopkeeper in Rajouri Garden said, “Only those who secretly stocked up earlier are making profits now.”

Low Participation in Licensing

Delhi Police data shows that participation in legal fireworks sales remained limited:

Despite the rush, licensed shops remain fewer than expected, leaving room for illegal and unsafe crackers to flood the market, officials fear.