E-commerce, SM platforms ordered to stop online sale of firecrackers in Delhi

Delhi Police has written to e-commerce and social media platforms directing them to immediately cease the listing and delivery of firecrackers in the national capital, an official said on Friday.

The action follows directions issued by the Delhi government through an order dated 19 December 2024, and the observations made by the Supreme Court on 6 May this year, in the matter of M.C. Mehta vs Union of India and Others, which reiterated the need to curb air pollution caused by firecrackers.

In a written communication, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police directed all e-commerce and social media platforms to take immediate steps to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban in the national capital.

“The platforms have been asked to delist all firecracker-related products and disable the purchase option for customers located in Delhi. They have also been instructed to activate location-based restrictions to prevent any sales or deliveries of firecrackers within the city,” special commissioner of police (crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastva said.

‘Absolutely necessary’: Supreme Court refuses to relax ban on firecrackers

Additionally, the platforms must publish a clear public notice informing users about the ban on firecracker sales and delivery in Delhi. They have also been asked to sensitise their delivery partners and logistics teams to ensure that no consignments containing firecrackers are accepted, transported, or delivered within the NCT of Delhi during the ban period.

The platforms have also been asked to provide written confirmation of compliance, the officer said, noting that the move is aimed at safeguarding public health during periods of high pollution, especially around festive seasons.

Additionally, the police have also issued advisories to all banquet halls, marriage venues, hotels, guesthouses, and ceremonial facilities across the city, instructing strict compliance with the ban.

"Any violation will attract criminal prosecution under relevant laws, given the total and unconditional ban imposed by both the Supreme Court and the Delhi government," Srivastva said.

Local police have been directed to ensure the advisories are served to all concerned establishments, the officer added.