New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to examine whether restrictions on firecrackers could be eased to some extent during the upcoming Diwali season, particularly in relation to permissible noise levels.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale made the suggestion while hearing the long-running case concerning restrictions on firecracker use in Delhi and other northern States during the period of heightened air pollution.

"Please give some exception; we don't want to rush it up just before Diwali," the bench told the counsel appearing for the CPCB.

The apex court had, during an earlier hearing on July 22, asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to obtain i...