The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to impose a total ban on firecrackers, ruling that bursting will be allowed during specified hours with strict conditions.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale said there would be no round-the-clock bursting. Only next-generation joint green crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI will be permitted, the court ordered.

The bench was hearing pleas seeking a complete ban on firecrackers ahead of the festive season. It held that a balanced approach was needed instead of an outright prohibition.

Additional Solicitor General Bhati sought time to file a Central Pollution Control Board report on barium-based crackers by October 15, according to reports.

The court said the permitted hours and conditions would be spelt out to balance celebration with air-quality concerns across the National Capital Region and other cities.

Why it matters: the ruling gives clarity to millions of households and traders weeks before Diwali while keeping pollution safeguards in place.