"Situation very very serious," says SC judge on Delhi air pollution

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continues to be “severe”, the Supreme Court judge Justice PS Narasimha on Thursday advised lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court in person, saying it could cause permanent damage to their health.

"Situation is very very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have a virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage…," said Justice Narasimha who headed a Bench that also included Justice Atul S Chandurkar.

As senior counsel Kapil Sibal said that lawyers were using masks, Justice Narasimha shot back, "Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice… We will discuss with the Chief Justice (of India) as well."

The national capital has been grappling with toxic air since the beginning of the month. Its air quality has remained in the 'severe' category this week.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) AQI bulletin released on November 13 at 4 PM, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 408 in the last 24 hours. On Wednesday, the AQI in Delhi at the same time was 428.

Amid reports of stubble burning resulting in worsening of air quality index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court had on Wednesday asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to spell out the steps taken by them to check it.

"Let Punjab and Haryana governments respond on steps taken to control stubble burning," a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai had said, posting the matter for further hearing on November 17.

Amicus curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh had said that farmers were avoiding detection by the satellite which passes the region by delaying stubble burning and burning it after the satellite passed away.

Meanwhile, a plea has been filed in the top court seeking to declare an AQI level of over 250 as a 'disaster' under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.