As Delhi’s air quality plunges into the hazardous category, the Supreme Court has advised lawyers and litigants to opt for hybrid or virtual hearings. The move aims to ensure safe and uninterrupted court proceedings amid worsening pollution.
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NEW DELHI: With Delhi experiencing dangerously high pollution levels, the Supreme Court has urged lawyers and litigants to limit physical appearances and make greater use of hybrid and virtual hearings.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, taking note of the prevailing weather and environmental conditions, has advised members of the Bar and parties-in-person to appear via videoconferencing wherever feasible. The advisory was issued through an official circular released by the Supreme Court administration on Sunday.
“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the Members of the Bar/Parties-in-Person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing facility in their matters listed before the Hon’ble Courts”.
The court’s decision comes as Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 461, placing it firmly in the severe category. This marks the worst pollution level of the season and one of the most alarming December readings in recent years. Meteorological experts attribute the spike to stagnant wind conditions and falling temperatures, which have prevented pollutants from dispersing.
As per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), any AQI reading above 400 is classified as severe and can have immediate health consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
An AQI above 400 falls under the severe category and poses serious health risks.
Medical experts have cautioned that continued exposure to such toxic air may trigger respiratory disorders, heart ailments, and long-term health complications. These concerns have increasingly influenced institutional decisions across Delhi.
Last month, while hearing petitions related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states, the Chief Justice remarked that the poor air quality had affected his own health after a routine walk, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The Supreme Court has been functioning in a hybrid format, allowing proceedings to take place both physically and online. Judges have repeatedly emphasized that virtual hearings remain a practical alternative during environmental emergencies.
The Supreme Court registry has also circulated the advisory to key legal bodies, including:
- Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA)
- Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA)
- Other concerned authorities
Earlier, Justice P S Narasimha had also advised advocates to avoid travelling to court and instead participate virtually, citing hazardous air conditions across the Delhi-NCR region.
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