Now crackers can be burst on Diwali: Supreme Court refuses to impose complete ban on firecrackers, says it will hurt people's sentiments

The Supreme Court on Friday heard a petition seeking lifting of the ban on firecrackers. Meanwhile, the court said that it is not possible to ban firecrackers across the country. A complete ban will hurt the sentiments of the people. But, firecrackers cannot be allowed for 24 hours. A time has to be fixed for bursting of firecrackers so that festivals can also be celebrated and people do not face any inconvenience. A bench of Justices M.M. Sundaresh and P.B. The bench said that it is necessary to strike a balance between religious sentiments, health and environmental concerns. The bench also gave time to the central government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to test for barium in firecrackers, fix decibel levels and fire tests. The next hearing in the matter will be held on October 15. Proposal for limited exemption on green crackers During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati submitted a note. It mentioned the idea of giving limited and conditional exemption to certain 'next-generation joint green crackers'. These crackers have been developed in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). These are firecrackers made from the new formula. The amount of barium salt has been reduced to reduce emissions. The note stated that these special firecrackers can be allowed only if they are manufactured by licensed manufacturers. They will have to comply with the prescribed noise limits as well as emission and safety norms. The noise limit in these firecrackers has been set at 125 dB(AI)/145 dB(C) peak. It should also not contain prohibited chemicals. The Supreme Court had allowed green crackers last year. The air quality index in Delhi had crossed 200 before Diwali last year. Therefore, the Supreme Court allowed the sale and use of green crackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The exemption was granted with conditions to maintain a balance between traditions and environmental and health concerns. The court made it clear that green crackers can be burst before Diwali and only on the day of Diwali during the stipulated time. On pollution control, the Supreme Court had said that if the cities of Delhi-NCR have the right to clean air, then why not the people of other cities? -------------------------- Also Read: Supreme Court Says High Prices Of Cancer Drugs Massacre: How The Cost Of Rs 27,000 Medicine Was Written At Rs 27,000; Drug Business Of Rs 5,381 Crore Every Year The Supreme Court asked the Centre why the MRP of Rs 27,000 on a cancer drug priced at Rs 2,700 is Rs 27,000. Expressing displeasure over the prices of medicines, the court said, "This is a genocide. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard the petitions related to the price of medicines and generic medicines on Tuesday. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was present on behalf of the government. The court said, "This is a genocide. How is this happening? Corporates do not spare anyone, they do not even allow the bodies to go out. Read the full news...