CJI B.R. Gavai said “age of the vehicle has nothing to do with the emission of pollution”, stressing that mileage matters more than age. The Supreme Court is reviewing Delhi-NCR’s 10 and 15-year vehicle ban policy amid rising air pollution concerns.
On July 19, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Supreme Court judges participated in Van Mahotsav 2025, promoting environmental conservation through the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign. CJI Gavai planted a tree in memory of his mother, emphasizing sustainable development and the judiciary’s role in protecting the environment.
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.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) appealed to the Supreme Court for a five-year extension on the registration of three armoured vehicles, after the National Green Tribunal denied their request. Concerns arose about the SPG seeking NGT approval instead of the Supreme Court, particularly amid air pollution monitoring efforts in Delhi. A hearing is scheduled for December 16.
Justice Kuldeep Singh, a former Supreme Court judge known as the “green judge,” passed away at 92 after a brief illness. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1988 and retiring in 1996, he notably led the bench on the MC Mehta case addressing air pollution and protecting the Taj Mahal. His contributions to environmental law were significant.
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.
The Supreme Court has resumed the MC Mehta case, addressing Delhi’s severe pollution and stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Expressing concern over inadequate fines and enforcement, the Court emphasized the need for stringent measures on issues like firecracker bans, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Compliance reports, stricter penalties, and public awareness campaigns were directed to curb pollution effectively.
Nagalaxmi Laxmi Narayan has petitioned the Supreme Court against Delhi’s 2024 vehicle scrapping policy, which mandates the scrapping of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years, regardless of condition. The petitioner argues the policy is arbitrary, violates property rights, and should be applied prospectively with compensation for affected owners.