Post by : Rameen Ariff

India's Supreme Court has taken an unprecedented step, asking lawyers to avoid physically attending court and instead argue cases via its virtual platform, as New Delhi faces dangerously high levels of air pollution.

The city’s air quality index (AQI) soared to 437 near the Supreme Court on Thursday, placing it firmly in the "severe" category. Authorities have intensified curbs on construction, industrial activity, and other pollution sources to mitigate the hazardous smog, which experts warn poses long-term health risks.

Justice P.S. Narasimha described the pollution as “very, very serious,” emphasizing that even wearing masks may not provide sufficient protection. The court suggested lawyers consider utilizing its virtual hearing facility to avoid prolonged exposure to toxic air.

New Delhi, a hub for litigation with dozens of courts and tribunals, experiences heavy foot traffic daily, with hundreds of lawyers attending hearings. The persistent smog is largely attributed to crop stubble burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, alongside emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction.

Despite numerous Supreme Court directives over the past decade, air quality regulations have often been inadequately enforced. The toxic haze has disrupted daily life, health, and livelihoods, with studies showing it can reduce life expectancy by more than five years per individual.

Residents have also taken to the streets, demanding urgent action from authorities to curb pollution. The Supreme Court’s call for virtual hearings highlights the severity of the crisis and underscores the growing concern for public health in India’s capital.

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