NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused a blanket ban on the sale and bursting of firecrackers across the country, but said that only 'green' firecrackers will be sold which are less polluting. A group of activists had petitioned the top court for a complete ban on fireworks as it increases the pollution levels. Here are the key highlights of the SC order:

* Ahead of Diwali , the SC permitted the sale and manufacture of "green" crackers which have low emission across the country.

* The apex court fixed 8 pm to 10 pm time period for bursting of firecrackers on Diwali.

* For New Year and Christmas celebrations, bursting of firecrackers will be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am.

* However, it restrained e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon from selling firecrackers.

* It said e-commerce websites will be hauled up for contempt of court if they don't adhere to the direction.

* The SC also said that selling of 'larries' or series firecrackers will not be allowed in the country.

* Only the firecrackers with permissible decibel sound limits will be allowed to be sold in the market.

* The top court asked the Centre to encourage community cracker bursting during Diwali and other festivals in Delhi-NCR.

* It also directed all the states to explore the feasibility of community cracker bursting during festivals.

* Station house officers of police station concerned will be held liable if banned firecrackers are sold in their areas.



In Video: No complete ban on firecrackers: SC