SC calls Delhi pollution ‘very serious’, urges lawyers to opt for virtual hearings

New Delhi: In a stern remark on the alarming pollution levels engulfing the national capital, the Supreme Court on Thursday described the situation in Delhi as “very serious” and advised lawyers to participate in court proceedings through video conferencing rather than appearing in person.

The observation came from a Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar, who expressed deep concern over the deteriorating air quality that has turned Delhi into a gas chamber of sorts.

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“Situation is very very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage,” the Bench observed, cautioning lawyers about the potential long-term health risks of exposure to the city’s toxic air.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in court, attempted to downplay the risk by stating that advocates were using masks. However, Justice Narasimha quickly countered, saying, “Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. We will discuss with the Chief Justice as well.”

The comments came amid alarming readings from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which recorded Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 425 at 9 AM. on Wednesday, a figure categorised as ‘severe’. Following this, CAQM invoked a nine-point action plan under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR), with immediate implementation.

Meanwhile, another Bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, is monitoring broader measures to curb air pollution. On Wednesday, it directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to report the steps being taken to control stubble burning, a major contributor to smog during the winter months across the Indo-Gangetic plains.