The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to impose a complete ban on firecrackers, but ruled that there will be no online sale of crackers.

The country’s top court said that barium salt and other elements in the cracker that produce a lot of noise will be banned from hereon.

Only firecrackers, which are considered safe and environment-friendly, will be allowed for manufacturing and retailers with licenses will be allowed to sell those crackers, the court ruled.

The SC said that the ruling is not just confined to Diwali, but to all religious events and added that the officers must ensure compliance with the norms.

The court ruled in favour of the Centre's suggestion to allow e-crackers and low emission crackers, as it 'strikes a nice balance'.

The e-crackers or electronic crackers, which don’t need a fire, are not only safe to burst but also non-polluting.

The apex court had earlier said there is a need to take into account all aspects, including the fundamental right of livelihood of firecracker manufacturers and the right to health of over 1.3 billion people in the country, while considering a plea for the ban. The top court had said the 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.

It 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.

The apex court had on August 8 said a spike in 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.

Firecrackers manufacturers earlier told the court that use of firecrackers should not be completely banned and it should instead be strictly regulated.

They have contended that the crackers are not the reason for increase in air pollution and there are other factors, like wind and temperature, which contribute to it.

They have said the firecracker manufacturers can be deprived of their right to do business based on statements which were not supported by facts.

On October 9 last year, the top court temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali.

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 on October 19, 2017.

(This story has been updated with SC's verdict on firecrackers)

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published:Oct 23, 2018 5:31 AM IST