India, Oct. 16 -- Delhi-NCR is set to have a cracker of a Diwali this year - quite literally. The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between October 18 and 20 - it had indicated it would do so on Friday, but issued the order and also explained the nuances on Wednesday - calling the decision a "balanced approach" aimed at reconciling the right to livelihood and the right to clean air.

While the sale of firecrackers has been allowed between October 18 and 20, "use of firecrackers shall be confined between 6am and 7am and 8pm and 10pm on the two days i.e., the one before and on Diwali day," ordered the top court. The court, however, made it clear that the relaxation was "on a test c...