Date – 13.11.2025
In the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR matter before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, a plea has been filed seeking to declare situations where the Air Quality Index(AQI) crosses 250 as a ‘disaster’ under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Notably, the bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran is seized of the matter. Earlier, the bench directed the State of Punjab and Haryana to file a status report on the measures taken to curb stubble burning, contributing to the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR. The application is filed by Vikrant Tongad, the Founder of the trust organization ‘Social Action for Forest & Environment (SAFE)’ and seeks a slew of measures after the Court allowed them to give their suggestions to curb the air pollution crisis in Delhi- NCR.
The Court is scheduled to hear the matter on November 17.
Furthermore, Justice PS Narasimha of the Supreme Court recently advised advocates to appear virtually in light of the rapidly worsening air quality in Delhi.
The observation was made during the mentioning round. Lawyers present in the courtroom said Justice Narasimha advised members of the Bar to make use of the virtual hearing facility rather than appear physically, given the health risks posed by the current pollution levels.
When Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that many lawyers were already wearing masks, Justice Narasimha responded that masks may not be sufficient, cautioning that the toxic air could cause permanent damage.
