New Delhi, Oct 23 (IBNS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed firecrackers on Diwali from from 8 pm to 10 pm, media reports said.
In an attempt to control the Delhi pollution, the Supreme Court did not completely ban fireworks but allowed "safe and green" crackers for two hours on Diwali night.
Judges AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers will be allowed between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am on Christmas and New Year.
In Delhi, crackers will be allowed only in designated spots.
The top court has directed administration to identify the spots within a week.
The court also ruled that crackers that are within noise pollution limits set in an earlier verdict will be allowed.
Only licensed traders can sell firecrackers, which are to have less lithium, barium and arsenic - chemicals that cause breathing difficulties and cancer.
Online sites like e-commerce platforms cannot sell crackers.
Last year, the sale of firecrackers was banned in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The top court's verdict has coincided with the view of the Centre which did not favour an imposition of a countrywide ban on sale of firecrackers.
The Centre had suggested that a few conditions could be applied on the manufacture and sale of high-decibel firecrackers.
Contesting the petition, the firecrackers sellers had said the ban will hurt thousands of livelihoods. They had also stated firecrackers cannot be held solely responsible for air pollution.
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