India, Nov. 2 -- The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the sale and bursting of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 6am and 7am and 8pm and 10pm on November 7 and 8, ahead of Diwali. The court, though, made it clear that a complete ban on firecrackers would be reinstated from November 9.

A bench of justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale said it was opting for a regulated approach rather than a blanket prohibition, noting that the earlier complete ban had neither significantly improved air quality nor prevented the illegal sale and use of conventional firecrackers. It also pointed out that restrictions had repeatedly been violated, with conventional crackers being sold under the guise of green firecrackers.

"Though imposition of ...