Amid Delhi’s hazardous air pollution, CJI Surya Kant has proposed allowing virtual hearing appearances to safeguard lawyers’ health, especially senior advocates, highlighting the urgent need to balance justice proceedings with public health concerns about air quality.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has expressed concern over Delhi’s worsening air pollution, stating that even routine activities like walking have become difficult. He revealed that a 55-minute walk left him feeling unwell the following morning.
The remarks came during a Supreme Court hearing when Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi requested permission to appear virtually due to health issues aggravated by Delhi’s poor air quality. Dwivedi confirmed his health troubles were linked to pollution.
“The only physical exercise I get is walking, but even that has become tough now,”
said CJI Surya Kant.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal supported the concerns, noting that at their age, outdoor exposure can be dangerous. Dwivedi suggested that lawyers aged 60 and older be allowed virtual appearances until air quality improves. The CJI said any decision would be taken in consultation with the Bar Association to ensure uniformity.
This is not the first time the Supreme Court has highlighted pollution risks. Justice P.S. Narasimha had earlier advised lawyers to use virtual hearings, warning that masks alone may not be enough against the dangerous AQI, which remains around 300–350 in Delhi NCR.
Former CJI B.R. Gavai had also directed monthly Supreme Court reviews of pollution control efforts, with reports from government authorities. Recently, the Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit updates on preventive measures. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh noted that many monitoring stations were non-functional, making it difficult to enforce emergency pollution controls under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
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CJI Surya Kant’s openness to virtual appearances underscores the immediate health risks posed by Delhi’s air pollution. Allowing senior lawyers to appear remotely is a temporary step to protect their well-being while broader measures to tackle air quality continue.
“If the Bar feels virtual hearings are necessary, and there is consensus, we can take a decision,”
the CJI said.
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