Supreme Court allows sale of 'green' firecrackers: Key highlights

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused a blanket ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers across the country, but said that only 'green' firecrackers will be sold which are less polluting. A group of activists had petitioned the top court for a complete ban on fireworks as it increases the pollution levels. Here are the key highlights of the SC order:
* Ahead of Diwali, the SC permitted the sale and manufacture of "green" crackers which have low emission across the country.
* The apex court fixed 8 pm to 10 pm time period for bursting of firecrackers on Diwali.
* For New Year and Christmas celebrations, bursting of firecrackers will be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am.
* However, it restrained e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon from selling firecrackers.
* It said e-commerce websites will be hauled up for contempt of court if they don't adhere to the direction.
* The SC also said that selling of 'larries' or series firecrackers will not be allowed in the country.
* Only the firecrackers with permissible decibel sound limits will be allowed to be sold in the market.
* The top court asked the Centre to encourage community cracker bursting during Diwali and other festivals in Delhi-NCR.
* It also directed all the states to explore the feasibility of community cracker bursting during festivals.
* Station house officers of police station concerned will be held liable if banned firecrackers are sold in their areas.