Cops issue guidelines for obtaining cracker licence

A day after the Supreme Court allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, the Delhi Police in an order on Thursday issued guidelines for obtaining licence to sell the crackers.

The licence can be obtained from the licensing portal of the Delhi Police or collect form from the Deputy Commissioner of Police office in all 15 districts, the official order from the Joint Commissioner of Police (Licensing division) stated.

“Applicants seeking temporary licences for retail sale must be at least of 18 years of age, of sound mind, and free from any conviction under the Explosives Act or laws related to public safety. Applications are to be submitted to the District DCP Office concerned in Form AE-5 under the Explosives Rules, 2008, available on the Delhi Police Licensing Unit website and at district DCP offices,” the order further read.

Given the short-time window, all applications will be scrutinised on a priority, and District DCPs are directed to finalise licensing decisions by October 17 or 18, after completing inspections and other formalities.

Moreover, sales will be permitted only at designated locations identified jointly by the District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) and the District DCP, keeping in view public safety, accessibility, fire safety and crowd management. Shops must be located only on commercial streets or within commercial complexes, in accordance with the Master Plan for Delhi 2021, it added.

According to the directions, only National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)-approved green firecrackers with QR codes will be allowed for sale and use. Firecrackers containing barium or any non-NEERI-certified components and series will be strictly prohibited.

The order explicitly bans the sale or purchase of crackers through e-commerce platforms, courier, postal or doorstep delivery services. Import or transportation of firecrackers into NCR from other regions is also prohibited.

In view of the safety and security, each police district will deploy patrolling teams comprising representatives from the Delhi Police, DPCC and the district administration to ensure compliance.

The Delhi Police have emphasised that any violation of these norms, including sale of banned firecrackers, non-NEERI-certified products or e-commerce transactions, will attract strict penal action as per the existing laws.