During a hearing in Delhi, the Supreme Court issued a stern warning about the worsening air quality in the capital and its potential health impacts. The bench led by Justice P. S. Narasimha urged lawyers to avoid physical court appearances and use virtual hearing facilities, citing severe pollution. “Why are you all appearing here? … this pollution will cause permanent damage,” the judge remarked. 

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal noted that even in court chambers, legal professionals were relying on masks to cope. The bench countered that masks alone would not suffice and asked for broader precautions.  According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region had soared past critical thresholds, prompting the activation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). 

With pollution reaching alarming levels, the court’s intervention signals growing urgency for both immediate protective measures and long-term policy action to protect public health. Meanwhile, the court also directed Punjab and Haryana to file reports on their steps to curb stubble-burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s toxic air.