(MC)
The Supreme Court of India (SC) on October 30 gave state governments the flexibility to choose a time slot for bursting firecrackers. However, it maintained its earlier order allowing it for only two hours on festival days. The move came a week after the apex court had allowed bursting of firecrackers between a fixed time slot — from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm for Diwali and 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on other occasions such as Christmas and New Year. The court had observed that there was a need to strike a balance between citizens’ right to health and the fireworks manufacturers’ right to carry on their trade. The top court modified its order after a plea by the Tamil Nadu government, which sought a review and permission for bursting firecrackers between 4.00 am and 6.00 am.
