SC permits green firecrackers only for two hours on Diwali

New Delhi: Refusing to impose a blanket ban on bursting of firecrackers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the use of only green firecrackers with reduced emission and decibel levels during all religious festivals.
In its verdict on a petition filed on behalf of three infants, a bench of Justice AK Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan specified that on Diwali, firecrackers could be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm. The time-limit would be applicable on Gurpurab also.
The bench also provided that firecrackers would be allowed between 11.55 pm and 12.30 am on Christmas and New Year while banning the bursting of fire crackers not conforming to the green norms.
The court said that all states would make endeavour to explore the feasibility of community firecracker show and would adhere to the time limit during which fire crackers could be burst. This would be applicable throughout India.
The ban on the bursting of fire crackers not conforming to green norms would be in force throughout the year. These conditions would also be applicable to marriage festivities.
The reduced emission fire crackers would involve low emission sound and light emitting functional crackers with particulate matter reduction by 30 to 35 per cent coupled with significant reduction in Nitrogen Oxide and Sulphur Oxide. However, this will be subject to approval by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The court also prohibited the manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers) and specified that e-commerce websites should not accept any online orders and effect online sales.
“Any such e-commerce companies found selling crackers online will be hauled up for contempt of court and the court may also pass orders of monetary penalties,” it said.
The court directed police station chiefs to be personally responsible for ensuring the compliance of its order.
In case any violation is found, the court said, the station house officer (SHO) of a police station will be held personally liable for such violation.
The court also asked the Centre and state governments as well as educational institutions to carry out awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of firecrackers. (Agencies)