Supreme Court rules out a total firecracker ban for Dīpāvalī and will fix time windows
A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said: "Neither we are going to agree for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it for 24 hours a day," noting that a total ban would hurt sentiments while unrestricted use harms the elderly, children and the sick.
- The Tribune
A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said: "Neither we are going to agree for total ban, nor are we going to allow them to do it for 24 hours a day," noting that a total ban would hurt sentiments while unrestricted use harms the elderly, children and the sick. The court accepted CSIR-NEERI's next-generation green crackers with conditions and will specify permitted hours.
Key data
Noise cap of 125 dB(AI) or 145 dB(C) peak. Licensed manufacturers only. NEERI says emissions are about 30% lower.
Why it matters
It marks a shift from blanket bans towards regulated use, easing a long-running clash between environmental and cultural claims.
GK: did you know?
Dīpāvalī means "row of lamps", from dīpa, lamp, and āvali, row.
