New Delhi: The Supreme Court today permitted across the country the sale and manufacture of ‘green’ firecrackers, which have low emission.
A bench, comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and A K Sikri, fixed the 8 pm to 10 pm time period for bursting of firecrackers during Deepavali and other festivals.
The apex court also restrained e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon from selling firecrackers which are beyond the permissible limit.
The top court’s order came on a plea seeking a ban on manufacture and sale of firecrackers across the country to curb air pollution.
With the government now pushing new initiatives to curtail hazardous air pollution, the petition called for a countrywide ban, citing the ill-effects on the environment and public health.
Firecracker manufacturers had earlier told the court that use of crackers should not be completely banned as it will cost thousands their livelihood. They have also contested that crackers are not the sole reason for increase in air pollution and factors like wind and temperature also contribute to it.
“Only crackers with reduced emission will be allowed and they can be sold through licence-holders,’ the judges said, rejecting an outright ban.
“We tried to strike a balance,” the court commented, taking note of the popularity of crackers during festivals and weddings. Crackers cannot be sold online and if they are, the sites will be hauled up for contempt.
On 9 October last year, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of Deepavali.
In the past, the Supreme Court had said while deciding on a ban on firecrackers, it was important to take into account all aspects, including the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people of the country