New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday imposed a blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers in the national capital and its neighbouring areas with immediate effect.


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The ruling came amid increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi following Diwali celebrations with the toxic particulate matter (PM) recorded about 40 times above the safe limits in the first week of November.


The apex court also directed suspension of licences for possessing, stocking and selling of fire crackers in Delhi-NCR till further orders.


Further, the court asked Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file a reply within three months regarding harmful effects of firecrackers.


Environmentalists were seeking courts intervention in passing orders for ban on sale of firecrackers due to increasing level of pollution in the national capital.