Supreme Court Slams Delhi’s ‘Very Serious’ Pollution, Urges Virtual Hearings as Smog Chokes Capital

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday, November 13, sharply criticised the alarming pollution levels in the national capital, calling the situation “very serious” as toxic smog continued to blanket Delhi for the third straight day. The bench advised senior lawyers to attend hearings virtually, cautioning that masks alone cannot prevent the long-term health impact of the city’s hazardous air.

Justice P.S. Narsimha, addressing senior advocates present in court, questioned the need for physical appearances amid the worsening air quality. “Why are you all appearing here? We have a virtual hearing facility. Please use it. The pollution will cause permanent damage,” he remarked. “Even masks are not enough. We will speak to the Chief Justice about this,” he added.

The capital woke up once again to ‘severe’ Air Quality Index (AQI) readings on Thursday, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording alarming figures across multiple zones — Bawana (460), Chandni Chowk (455), Anand Vihar (431), ITO (438), Rohini (447), and North Campus (414). Even the relatively cleaner NSIT Dwarka station recorded an AQI of 216, still categorised as ‘poor’.

The court expressed deep concern over stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, identifying it as one of the main contributors to the toxic haze engulfing Delhi and the NCR region. Both state governments have been directed to submit detailed reports within a week outlining the measures taken to curb the practice.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai underscored the urgency of accountability and action. “We want data, not assurances. The states must show concrete enforcement efforts,” the bench said, noting that ineffective governance was aggravating the environmental crisis.