Green crackers allowed on Diwali in Delhi, Supreme Court sets time limits

Supreme Court allows bursting of green crackers on November 7 and 8, sets time limits

The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, covering the day before Diwali and the festival day, allowing people to burst them during specified hours in the morning and evening.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale allowed the bursting of green crackers between 6 am and 7 am and again from 8 pm to 10 pm on both days.

The court had heard the matter last week and while declining to impose a complete ban on firecrackers, the Supreme Court stressed that its repeated directions to regulate their use would serve little purpose unless authorities ensured strict enforcement on the ground.

"It concerns every living being," the bench said.

"There is no point in passing orders and directions unless you give effect to them on the ground, otherwise, it becomes a mockery," the court had added, underlining the need for effective implementation.

The bench told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Centre, that the authorities needed to take the issue seriously and ensure compliance with the restrictions.

"We also understand the sentiments of the public. We are not inclined to completely ban but don't push us to take a very harsh stand," the bench told the law officer.

The court said regulating firecracker use required cooperation from all stakeholders and suggested that prominent personalities, including sportspersons, could be roped in to spread awareness about the environmental and health consequences of bursting crackers.

- Ends