The Delhi High Court declined to entertain a plea challenging the Delhi government’s December 17 notification restricting the entry of non-Delhi-registered BS-IV vehicles during GRAP, noting the measure was aimed at addressing air pollution and the Supreme Court is already seized of the issue.
The Supreme Court has extended GRAP-4 air pollution curbs to stage 2 and urged the Centre to appoint top experts to the Commission for Air Quality Management, avoiding retired judges. Additionally, the Delhi government announced a firecracker ban until January, aiming to reduce pollution. The court also monitored compensation for impacted construction workers and scheduled follow-up hearings.
![[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.
![[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.
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.