New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- The Supreme Court on Monday called for a balance between public health concerns and religious sentiments while considering restrictions on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, urging people to voluntarily adopt less polluting ways of celebrating festivals.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said it was not inclined to pass restrictive orders that could be difficult to enforce.

"We will not hurt religious sentiments, but at the same time, people should themselves come forward and opt for it. The whole exercise should involve a balancing approach," the CJI said, emphasising the need to make citizens aware of the health hazards of firecrackers.

Justice Bagchi questioned the r...