The Supreme Court of India summoned Delhi’s Chief Secretary for a December 19 appearance due to inadequate enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. The court threatened contempt action if compliance with prior orders isn’t reported. Concerns extend to air quality management, urging immediate government action on pollution sources, including stubble burning.
![[Air Pollution] "None of the NCR States Reported Compliance on Payments to Construction Workers": SC Summons Chief Secretaries Of Delhi & 3 Other States](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-25.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 2nd December, the Supreme Court summoned the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for failing to comply with an order to provide subsistence allowances to construction workers during pollution bans. The court expressed concerns over air quality measures and emphasized the need for a permanent policy addressing severe pollution levels.
![[Breaking] "Police Done Nothing, It's Complete Failure”: SC Flags Non-Compliance With Anti-Pollution Measures in Delhi, Questions Govt. Actions](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Delhi-cant-be-made-to-go-through-this-cant-be-a-political-battle-everytime_-Top-quotes-from-SC-hearing-on-air-pollution-in-the-Delhi-NCR-_-India-News-The-Indian-Express.png?resize=414%2C232&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction in today’s hearing (28th Nov) with the government’s non-compliance with anti-pollution measures in Delhi, citing lack of action from authorities. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati defended the government’s efforts, including traffic management directives. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains critical, with AQI levels classified as ‘very poor,’ posing health risks to citizens.
![[Air Pollution] "Hybrid Mode For Classes Up To 12th Grade": SC Directs Delhi-NCR Schools to Adopt Both Physical & Online Classes](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-27.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Delhi schools have been directed to adopt a “hybrid mode” of learning—combining online and physical classes—due to Supreme Court recommendations amid air quality concerns. This shift addresses educational disruptions, ensuring students can access mid-day meals and accommodate varying resources for online learning, with compliance mandated by the Directorate of Education.
Today, On 25th November, the Supreme Court instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management to evaluate whether physical classes for Standards 10 and 12 in Delhi-NCR can continue amidst rising air pollution. The Court focused on balancing student health and academic needs while highlighting the importance of mid-day meals and the lack of access to clean air at home.
Kabil Sibal and Tushar Mehta have expressed concerns about pollution in Delhi NCR, stating it is “getting out of control.” They have called for virtual court proceedings to address the issue more effectively. The plea highlights the urgency of managing the environmental crisis in the region. The two legal experts seek a more efficient way […]
![[BREAKING] "We Instructed Judges to Allow Virtual Hearings”: CJI Sanjiv Khanna Permits Online Appearances Amid Delhi Air Pollution](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-11-104311.png?resize=447%2C300&ssl=1)
Today, On 19th November, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has permitted online attendance for lawyers and encouraged virtual court hearings due to deteriorating air quality in Delhi. This adaptive measure aims to safeguard health amid escalating pollution levels. The Supreme Court also mandated the suspension of in-person classes for grades up to 12 in response to the crisis.
Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan raised concerns about construction activities within the Supreme Court premises during a hearing on air pollution in Delhi. The court criticized the Delhi government for failing to enforce construction bans. Delhi’s air quality reached severe levels, prompting emergency measures, including school closures and construction pauses, to address the crisis.
On Monday(18th Nov), the Supreme Court heard a plea seeking the enforcement of measures to curb air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed serious concerns over delays in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Justice Oka questioned the Delhi counsel, stating, “Why was the GRAP mechanism not invoked? How can you risk delaying such critical measures?” In response to the counsel’s clarification that stage 4 of GRAP was now in effect, the bench emphasized that the Delhi government must not lower it without court approval, even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) improves below 300. The bench remarked, “We are making it clear that you will not go below stage 4 without our permission.”
Today, On 18th November, the Supreme Court will hear a case about Delhi’s severe pollution levels, questioning why the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) failed to implement necessary measures. The court emphasized the right to a pollution-free environment and criticized authorities for inaction amid worsening air quality, highlighting concerns over environmental health.