New Delhi, October 23: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to impose a complete ban on firecrackers while pronouncing its verdict on a ban on manufacture and sale of firecrackers across India. The top Court banned the online sale of firecrackers and also put a stay on the e-commerce portals from selling firecrackers. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan pronounced the judgement and said there will be no complete ban in firecrackers. Green Firecrackers Allowed By Supreme Court: What Are Eco-Friendly Crackers? 

The bench further added saying that there will be no online sale of crackers and the sale will only be allowed for sellers with an authorised license. The burning of firecrackers during Diwali will be allowed from 8 PM to 10 PM. The bench had earlier reserved its verdict on August 28. Firecrackers Rules For Diwali, Christmas And New Year.

Supreme Court Verdict on Ban of Firecrackers in India:

While considering a plea for the ban, the Supreme Court had earlier said there is a need to take into account all aspects. These aspects included the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people in the country. Ban on Firecrackers Across India? Supreme Court to Pronounce Verdict Today.

The top Court had said that Article 21 (right to life) of Constitution applies to both segments of people and it needs to maintain a balance while considering a countrywide ban on firecrackers. The Supreme Court had asked the Centre to suggest measures to be taken for curbing the pollution and what will be the effect of firecrackers on the public at large.

In August, the apex court had said a rise in the PM 2.5 levels in the air is a severe problem as the particulate matter remains in people’s lungs, leading to serious health implications. Meanwhile, firecrackers manufacturers had told the court instead of a complete ban on firecrackers, it should be strictly regulated.

In October 2017, the Supreme Court temporarily had banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali. But later, the court refused to relax its order while dismissing a plea by traders who had sought permission to sell crackers for at least a day or two before Diwali.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2018 10:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).