From complete ban on online sale to burning of crackers only between 8-10 pm, here's Supreme Court's Judgement on Firecrackers in 10 points

The Supreme Court on Tuesday pronounced that there would be no ban on the sale and usage of firecrackers, though, a number of restrictions have been put in place. Hearing a petition, which called for a complete ban on firecrackers much due to the rising level of pollution across the country, the two-judge bench of AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan allowed the usage of crackers, though, with a number of caveats.

From putting a time limit to banning sale of crackers online to allowing only licensed traders to sell the products, the topmost court of the country put many measures to limit the possibility of excess pollution.

Here are 10 points which need to be noted from SC's judgment:

1. The crackers which would be permitted to be manufactured and sold are those with reduced emissions. Apart from that, the green crackers can also be traded.
2. Only those having license will be allowed to manufacture or sell firecrackers. 
3. E-commerce websites and any other such website online will not be allowed to sell crackers. Should any such activity be found, a penalty will be levied and action would be taken.
4. The apex court has asked the government to hold public awareness campaigns and programmes in schools, colleges and offices, telling the people about the bad effects of firecrackers.
5. On the days when firecrackers are used, like Diwali, there has been a strict timing imposed. The public can only light firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on such occasions. As for New Year, the court has mentioned that people can use crackers from 11:55 pm on December 31, only till 12:30 am on January 1.
6. The SC has ordered all the state government's to ascertain a few places where people can come and light firecrackers. One week time has been given to them to identify such places, and the week after that will be to inform the people about these locations. The public can fire crackers only on these locations.
7. A strict order has been given to the police to make sure that the public only light the crackers during the time given. SHO's have been warned that should anyone be found burning crackers after the stipulated time, blame will be upon them. 
8. PESO has been ordered to make sure that firecrackers which fall under the permissible limits of decibel level are only sold in the market. Any violation on this should be met with suspension of licenses of the seller.
9. PESO will ensure fireworks with permitted chemicals only to be purchased/possessed/sold/used during Diwali and all other religious festivals, of any religion whatsoever, and other occasions like marriages, etc.
10. CPCB and respective State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs) of the States and Union Territories shall carry out short-term monitoring in their cities for 14 days.

READ: Supreme Court Allows Sale Of Firecrackers With Caveats; Crackers With Reduced Emission Allowed, Online Sale Banned

In the judgment, SC has mentioned that it has tried to take a balanced approach, so that the environment is also looked after, and the livelihood of cracker manufactures and makers isn't hampered. Though, the apex court has made it clear that should there be a need for stringent approach in future, it will be done.

In 2017, ahead of Diwali, the top court had put a temporary ban on the sale of firecrackers to put a check on the level of pollution. While the manufacturers filed a plea in the court to sell the firecrackers for few days to earn some livelihood during Diwali, the apex court dismissed it, maintaining its verdict.