Diwali 2018: Supreme Court allows burning of firecrackers for two hours

The Supreme Court on Monday banned the sale of firecrackers and restrained e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart from selling firecrackers. The Court refused to impose a blanket ban on firecrackers in the country but said, only green firecrackers will be sold — which is said to be less polluting.

According to reports, the apex court has allowed burning of crackers on Diwali between 8 pm to 10 pm. “Only crackers with reduced emission will be allowed and they can be sold through licenced holders,” the judges said.

“We tried to strike a balance,” the court commented, taking note of the popularity of crackers during festivals and weddings.

The petitioners while filing the petition has sought for a clean and healthy environment, reasoning that it is a right and need for the betterment and growth of the environment. “Delhi has been the most polluted city in the world and health-related illnesses primarily target the youngest of its citizens,” said the petition, reports NDTV.

Giving warning to the e-commerce website, the court said, websites will be hauled up for contempt of court if they don’t obey court’s order.

While temporarily banning the sale and manufacturing of firecrackers in Delhi, the apex court had also refused to issue a complete ban on sale of crackers during Diwali across the country, saying that it has to take into account all the aspects, which includes the income and livelihood of those manufacturers and sellers as well as the sound health of the billion people in the country.

Also read: Supreme Court to deliver ‘countrywide firecrackers ban’ verdict