Delhi Police direct e-commerce, social media platforms to stop firecracker sales amid blanket ban

The Delhi Police have taken a significant step by asking e-commerce and social media platforms to immediately cease the sale of firecrackers within the city, it said on Friday.

Officials have directed all such platforms to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, issuing formal instructions in writing.

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Commenting on the development, Devesh Chandra Srivastva, Special Commissioner of Police, said, “The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in Delhi until January 1.”

“This ban aims to mitigate the city’s acute air pollution crisis, particularly during the winter months. The government has taken this step to protect public health and ensure a cleaner environment,” he added.

“The platforms have been asked to delist all firecracker-related products and disable the purchase option for customers located in Delhi.”

He further stated, “They have also been instructed to activate location-based restrictions to prevent any sales or deliveries of firecrackers within the city.”

In the official letter, the Delhi Police warned that any violation of these directions would invite criminal prosecution under relevant laws.

Additionally, local police stations have been directed to issue advisories to owners and managers of banquet halls, hotels, and other venues, informing them about the ban and the legal consequences of non-compliance, the officer said.

“Any violation will attract criminal prosecution under the applicable laws, considering the total and unconditional ban imposed by both the Supreme Court and the Delhi government,” Srivastva added.