Representative image of Diwali firecrackers.
Credit: iStock
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday indicated that it may allow use of green firecrackers during Diwali festival but with certain time duration
A bench of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said a complete ban on bursting of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal" as such restrictions were often violated and balancing of equities is needed.
The court reserved its decision on a plea for sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the upcoming Diwali festival.
The court said it would most likely to revisit the stay on ban on green firecrackers, after hearing a batch of pleas seeking permission to manufacture and sell "green" firecrackers in Delhi and National Capital Region.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the court to allow green firecrackers, between 8 am and 8 pm, on Christmas & New Year eve - between 11.45 pm and 12.30 am and for one hour on Gurpurab, and on other occasions too.
He made an additional request that the timings may be relaxed for bursting of crackers during Diwali and other festivals.
“Let our children celebrate Diwali with fervour at least for two days," Mehta submitted.
He also said Delhi is home to people from diverse communities who celebrate at different times of the day.
Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak asked the court to pass an order and allow to include two hours in the morning as well.
On September 26, the court allowed the manufacturing of green firecrackers in Delhi subject to the condition that they will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR, in view of the increasing level of pollution and deteriorating environmental condition.