India, Oct. 10 -- Just days before Diwali, the Supreme Court on Friday said that a complete ban on bursting firecrackers in Delhi-NCR is "neither practical nor ideal," noting that such restrictions are frequently violated and a balance must be struck between environmental protection and public celebration.

The observation came from a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, which reserved its order on pleas seeking permission to manufacture and sell green firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and NCR states, argued for lifting the blanket ban imposed since 2018. He said children should be allowed to celebrate Diwali and other festiv...