Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Supreme Court Urges Virtual Hearings Amid Delhi's Severe Air Pollution Crisis
Imagine the air in Delhi is like a really unhealthy soup that's been bad for days.
The grown-ups who make the laws, like the judges in the Supreme Court, said the air is 'very very serious' because it's so polluted, over 400 on the pollution scale for three days in a row!
They told the lawyers, who were in court, 'Why are you even here?
It's so bad, even masks aren't enough, and it could hurt you forever!'
So, they asked the lawyers to stay home and use their computers to talk for court cases, like a video call.
Many lawyers were already wearing masks because the air is that bad.
The judges also reminded everyone that this bad air can make even healthy people sick and is especially dangerous for those who are already unwell.
This is why they are taking extra steps, like asking lawyers to stay safe.
The Supreme Court urged lawyers to attend hearings virtually due to Delhi's 'very very serious' air pollution crisis.
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day, with AQI readings exceeding 400 at numerous monitoring stations.
Justices stated that masks are insufficient to protect against the harmful effects of the severe pollution and can cause permanent damage.
Out of 37 monitoring stations, 27 recorded 'severe' AQI levels, with areas like Chandni Chowk and Wazirpur showing particularly high readings.
The court referenced the situation's severity while discussing measures to curb pollution, including stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
- Who
- Supreme Court (Justices PS Narasimha and Atul S Chandrukar, and reportedly Chief Justice as well), lawyers, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- What
- The Supreme Court urged lawyers to opt for virtual hearings due to the severe air pollution in Delhi, describing the situation as 'very very serious'. Multiple monitoring stations recorded AQI in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day.
- When
- Thursday, and also referencing Tuesday and Wednesday
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- Alarming air quality in Delhi, with AQI readings in the 'severe' category, posing significant health risks and potential permanent damage.
Supreme Court Bench
Lawyers and Health Concerns
Participation in Hearings
Supreme Court Bench
The Supreme Court urged lawyers to utilize the virtual hearing facility to avoid appearing in person, citing the 'very very serious' pollution levels and the inadequacy of masks to protect against permanent damage.
Lawyers and Health Concerns
Many lawyers were already wearing masks in court, acknowledging the pollution, but the court emphasized that even masks are insufficient, suggesting a need for more drastic measures like virtual hearings.
Severity of Pollution and Response
Supreme Court Bench
The court described Delhi's air quality situation as 'alarming' and 'very very serious,' with AQI readings in the 'severe' category for three consecutive days and exceeding 400 in multiple areas.
Lawyers and Health Concerns
While the court highlighted the severity, it was also questioned by lawyers and the previous article mentioned farmers potentially evading surveillance, indicating a broader issue with control and compliance.
- Days in Severe AQI Category
- Third consecutive day
- Highest AQI Reading Mentioned
- 455 (Chandni Chowk)
- Number of Stations in Severe Category
- 27 out of 37
- AQI Category Threshold (Severe)
- 401-500
- First Severe Air Quality Day This Season
- Tuesday
Sources
Haryana AQI rise: Deputy commissioner faces action as air quality monitor issues notice over stubble burning
SC asks Punjab, Haryana to file reports on action taken to check stubble burning
28 farm fire incidents in two days: CAQM pulls up Fatehabad DC over spike in stubble burning cases
Over 4,300 Stubble Burning Incidents In Haryana, Punjab Since September, SC Seeks Report
Delhi AQI hits 444 as Noida implements GRAP Stage-III curbs; SC seeks Punjab, Haryana reports on stubble burning
AQI severe for second day in Delhi, highest spike in stubble burning share so far
SC seeks report from Punjab, Haryana on steps taken to curb stubble burning
155 fresh farms fires in Punjab: SC directs Punjab to file report on steps taken to curb stubble burning
SC to examine if Punjab, Haryana farmers are evading satellite surveillance to burn crop stubble
Delhi records AQI 404, extending three day streak of ‘severe’ pollution levels
Delhi’s air quality ‘severe’ for second day in a row
