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Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis: Supreme Court Urges Hybrid Hearings Amid 'Very Poor' Air

The Supreme Court has advised lawyers and parties to opt for hybrid hearings due to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. This advisory comes from the Registry on the directions of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The court is actively hearing a PIL on pollution and has stressed the need for a long-term solution, not just seasonal fixes. Justices have expressed serious concern about the health impacts of the toxic air on the capital's residents.

Key Points: Supreme Court Advises Hybrid Hearings as Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates

  • The Supreme Court Registry issued a circular advising hybrid hearings for convenience amid poor air quality
  • The CJI-led bench expressed concern, refusing to be a 'mute spectator' to Delhi's pollution crisis
  • The court directed the air quality commission to submit an actionable long-term strategy report
  • Justices cautioned against blaming only stubble burning, noting multiple pollution sources like vehicles and construction
2 min read

SC advises hybrid hearings as Delhi-NCR air quality turns 'very poor'

The Supreme Court advises lawyers to use hybrid hearings due to Delhi's 'very poor' air quality, as the CJI-led bench seeks long-term pollution solutions.

"Situation is very, very serious! Why are you all appearing here? - Justice P.S. Narasimha"

New Delhi, Dec 14

In view of prevailing weather conditions and deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Supreme Court has advised members of the Bar and parties-in-person to avail the hybrid mode of appearance, wherever convenient, for matters listed before the apex court.

A circular issued by the Supreme Court Registry said that the advisory was issued on the directions of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, urging the use of video-conferencing facilities in appropriate cases, if convenient.

The circular has been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, all notice boards, and other concerned authorities for wider dissemination.

Earlier this month, the CJI Kant-led Bench had expressed strong concern over Delhi's toxic air, making it clear that it could not remain a "mute spectator" while millions of the national capital's residents continue to breathe polluted air.

While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on controlling air pollution in Delhi, the Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an "actionable" report addressing the recurring air crisis.

The CJI Kant-led bench had also cautioned against oversimplifying the causes of pollution by singling out stubble burning alone, stressing that multiple factors, including construction activity and vehicular emissions, contribute to the problem.

"We do not want to comment on stubble burning, as it would be incorrect to burden the people who are hardly represented in the court," the apex court had observed.

In an earlier hearing, the apex court had emphasised the need for a "long-term strategy" to tackle Delhi-NCR's recurring air pollution crisis instead of short-term responses every winter.

"You can give suggestions, but they cannot be for two days, one week, or three weeks. We need a long-term solution so that this problem reduces gradually every year," CJI Kant-led Bench had told the Centre.

Last month, Justice P.S. Narasimha had urged lawyers to shift to virtual hearings in view of Delhi's "very, very serious" pollution levels, and cautioned that the situation could cause "permanent damage".

"Situation is very, very serious! Why are you all appearing here?" Justice Narasimha had remarked.

"We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some acknowledgment that stubble burning is not the only villain! Construction dust and vehicle pollution in Delhi are massive contributors. We need action on those fronts with equal urgency. The long-term strategy is key.
A
Aman W
Good advisory, but what about the rest of us who have to commute to offices and schools? The courts can go hybrid, but millions are still breathing this air daily. Where is the actionable plan for the public? We need concrete steps, not just advisories for select groups.
S
Sarah B
Living in Gurgaon, the air has been unbearable. It's heartening to see the judiciary taking health seriously and leading by example. Justice Narasimha is right – this causes permanent damage. Hope more institutions follow suit.
V
Vikram M
The SC saying it won't be a "mute spectator" gives some hope. But we've heard strong words before. The real test is whether the CAQM's "actionable" report leads to any change on the ground, or if it's just another file in the bureaucracy.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, this is my biggest worry every winter. My child's school hasn't shifted online, but the courts can. It feels unfair. We need a comprehensive policy for the entire NCR, protecting everyone's health, especially children and the elderly. 🙏

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