Delhi’s air pollution crisis returned to the Supreme Court, with the bench questioning the limits of judicial intervention and calling for accountability. The Court will review the issue again on Monday amid growing health concerns and GRAP implementation delays.
Justice Abhay S Oka emphasized the vital link between environmental and social justice during his speech at the SILF Climate Change Conference 2025. He highlighted how pollution disproportionately impacts the poor and stressed that protecting the environment is essential for human dignity and health, urging support for environmental advocacy in India.
![[Delhi Air Pollution] 'Can't Blame Only One State': Supreme Court Directs Punjab, Haryana Govt. Over Farm Fires](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Delhi-air-Pollution.webp?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that farm fires in Punjab are not the only reason behind Delhi’s air pollution problem during winter. While these farm fires do contribute to the city’s air quality issues, the Court directed the Punjab government to work with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to find better ways of managing agricultural waste.
![[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 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.
![[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.
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.”