SC allows firecrackers on Vaikunth Chaturdashi with a caveat

The Supreme Court has set a two-hour window for fireworks on the occasion of Vaikunth Chaturdashi in Ujjain City.

A two-judge bench comprising of Justices AK Sikri and Abdul Nazeer allowed firecrackers from 11 pm on November 21 to 1 am November 22.

"It is made clear that the total period of fireworks shall not exceed two hours. We also permit the burning of phooljharis/ sparklers on Roop Choudas, and Dev Uthani Gyaras inside the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain at Garbh Grih, during the aforesaid timings," the order by the apex court read.

The bench, however, added that the firecrackers should be moderate in nature.

"We expect that the fireworks would be moderate in nature so that it does not cause undue air pollution," stated the court order.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a holy day, observed to mark the waxing moon fortnight of Kartik- the Hindu month in which Diwali is celebrated.

Days ahead of Diwali, on October 23, the top court had refused to impose a blanket ban on cracker bursting with certain conditions, which include using only lesser pollution-causing 'green crackers'.

The court had stated that people will only be allowed to lit bangers between 8 pm and 10 pm on the festival of Diwali.