Only Less Polluting 'Green Firecrackers' Allowed For Diwali, SC Bans Sale Of Online Crackers

Ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has refused to put a blanket ban on sale of firecrackers in the country. The apex court, on Tuesday, allowed a?conditional sale of firecrackers stating that only green firecrackers will be sold, which are less polluting.

AFP

Passing the order the judges also clarified that the restriction on firecrackers would be applicable across the country and people would be liable to face contempt for not complying with the direction.

The court has also said that only registered sellers will be allowed to sell firecrackers and banned online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart from selling firecrackers.

BCCL

The SC bench comprising of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan has stated that bursting of firecrackers will be allowed till 10 pm on Diwali and for New Year and for Christmas celebration bursting will be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am.

For Diwali, the SC has directed that the air quality should be monitored ten days before and after the festival.

BCCL

Earlier, the apex court had said that all aspects, including the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people in the country should be considered before the ban.

REUTERS

Manufacturers had contented the demand for a blanket ban and told the court that the use of firecrackers should be regulated, and not banned. They also cited the effect on a potential ban on the livelihoods fog those working in the industry.??

The top court had said Article 21 (right to life) of Constitution applies to both segments of people and it needs to maintain a balance while considering a countrywide ban on firecrackers.