During the hearing, a Bench led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih discussed the lack of proactive measures taken by the Delhi government.
NEW DELHI: As Delhi reportedly recorded the worst air quality index (AQI) globally, the Supreme Court heard arguments urging that the capital should not become the most polluted city in the world.
During the hearing, a Bench led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih discussed the lack of proactive measures taken by the Delhi government.
Amicus curiae and Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh highlighted the critical pollution level, remarking,
“We are in severe mode today. No pre-emptive measures have been taken yet. We should not become the most polluted city in the world.” The matter will be revisited on Monday.
In a previous hearing, the Court expressed disappointment over authorities’ inability to control firecracker use during Diwali, emphasizing that every citizen has a fundamental right under Article 21 to a pollution-free environment.
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A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Agustine George Masih, addressing the annual air quality crisis, also urged the Delhi government to make a decision on a permanent firecracker ban by November 25.
‘No religion supports any activity that causes pollution. The bursting of firecrackers in this manner also infringes upon the fundamental right to health of citizens.’”
The Bench is reviewing pollution in Delhi, with a focus on actions by authorities in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to curb stubble burning. In earlier proceedings, the Court questioned the Delhi government and police on enforcing the firecracker ban and suggested a potential permanent prohibition.
In September, the Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for inadequate action despite some measures.
“While we cannot say the Commission has been inactive, it has not met expectations given its mandate. The Commission must ensure that its efforts lead to tangible pollution reduction,”
the Court stated.
The Bench reiterated the need to stay stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, resulting from farmers burning leftover straw to clear fields for new crops.
