The Supreme Court of India has issued a stark warning about the dire state of air pollution in Delhi, urging lawyers to opt for virtual appearances instead of physical court attendance. This bold move by the Court highlights the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
In a powerful statement, a Bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Atul S Chandrukar emphasized the gravity of the pollution crisis, stating, "The situation is extremely critical! Why are you all risking your health by appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility, and it's time to utilize it. This pollution will have long-term, irreversible consequences."
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in court, pointed out that lawyers are taking precautions by wearing masks. However, Justice Narasimha responded, "Even masks are not enough to protect against this level of pollution. We must take stronger measures. We will consult with the Chief Justice on this matter."
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a concerning level of 425 at 9 AM on Tuesday. In response, CAQM implemented a 9-point action plan under Stage-III of GRAP across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
Another Bench of the Supreme Court is actively monitoring the air pollution issue in Delhi. On Wednesday, this Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice KVinod Chandran, questioned the governments of Punjab and Haryana about their efforts to control stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi and other states in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
The Court's alarm bell has been sounded, and the message is clear: the pollution crisis in Delhi is an urgent matter that demands attention and action. The question remains: will the implementation of virtual hearings and other measures be enough to tackle this environmental challenge? What other steps should be taken to address the root causes of this pollution crisis? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
