No complete ban on firecrackers: SC

With just a few weeks left for Diwali, the Supreme Court (SC) in its verdict on Tuesday allowed the sale of firecrackers across India with certain conditions.

However, the court, in its order, has banned the online sale of firecrackers and put a stay on the e-commerce portals selling them. It also stated that only licensed dealers will be allowed to sell crackers.

It may be noted that firecrackers will not be banned completely but SC restricted its use to tackle concerns about deadly pollution in Delhi and other cities. The top court allowed the use of safer firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali on November 7. It is at this time that fireworks add to toxic smog in Delhi, the world's most polluted city according to a WHO report.

"We tried to strike a balance," said a two-judge bench, announcing a two-hour limit for all festivals and weddings. A petition by three children had called for a complete ban on fireworks.

Last year, the apex court had banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region).

Along with firecrackers in Diwali, the SC also stated the following:

• Firecrackers will be allowed between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am on Christmas and New Year, said Judges AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan.
• In Delhi, crackers will be allowed only in designated spots, which need to be identified within a week, the judges said.
• Only crackers that are within noise pollution limits set in July 2005 verdict will be allowed. "Ladi" or chain firecrackers, are banned.
• Only licensed traders can sell firecrackers, that too safer ones with reduced emission and permitted chemicals, the judges said.

(Featured Image: News18)