The Supreme Court raised alarms over Delhi’s choking air quality on Thursday, November 13, urging lawyers to switch to virtual hearings to avoid health risks. Justice P.S. Narasimha emphasized the crisis’s severity during a session, highlighting long-term damage from exposure.
Court’s Sharp Remarks on Air Quality
“The situation is very, very serious,” Justice Narasimha stated. He questioned lawyers’ in-person presence: “Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility—please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage.”
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal noted that many wore masks, but the judge dismissed this: “Masks are not enough. It will not suffice.” He added that the bench would raise the issue with Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
The remarks came amid ongoing monitoring of pollution measures. On Wednesday, a bench led by the Chief Justice directed Punjab and Haryana to report on stubble-burning controls by November 17, as farm fires worsen Delhi’s haze.
Delhi’s Air Remains in ‘Severe’ Category for Third Day
Delhi awoke to thick smog again, with visibility low across the city. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 8 a.m. showed the overall AQI at 404, firmly in the ‘severe’ zone (401–500), which risks health even for fit individuals and aggravates respiratory or heart issues.
Key stations hit hazardous peaks:
- Bawana: 460
- Chandni Chowk: 455
- Rohini: 447
- Anand Vihar: 431
- ITO: 438
- North Campus DU: 414
- Dwarka Sector 8: 400
NSIT Dwarka recorded the lowest at 216. Experts blame stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana for 30–40% of PM2.5 spikes, compounded by winter inversion trapping pollutants.
This marks the third straight ‘severe’ day, following 428 on Tuesday—the first since December 2024. GRAP Stage III remains active, banning non-essential construction and restricting diesel vehicles. Schools up to Class V are closed, with higher grades in hybrid mode.
Temperatures dipped to a low of 10.6°C (2.9°C below average), with highs around 27°C. Forecasts predict ‘very poor’ AQI through November 15, urging minimal outdoor activity.
