India, Oct. 16 -- Despite a complete ban on the sale and storage of conventional firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR), a spot check by the Hindustan Times team across several markets in Gurugram revealed that traditional firecrackers are still being sold quietly, discreetly, and at high prices.

During inspections, the HT team found small shopkeepers in markets such as Sector 31, Sector 46, South City 1 and 2, Sector 56, Sector 10, Palam Vihar, Badshahpur and Sushant Lok 1 and 2 selling banned firecrackers. The stock was often concealed in sacks under tables or behind counters displaying legal Diwali items such as diyas, lights and decorative candles.

To be sure, The Supreme Court, in its October 15 order, has allowed the sa...