[Delhi Air Pollution case] TV debates causing more pollution than anything: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday took exception to the manner in which television (TV) debates, particularly on legal and court-related issues are conducted, stating that such debates are causing more pollution than anything else (Aditya Dubey v. Union of India)..A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana was hearing a case filed by a 17-year-old Delhi student relating to air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas when the CJI quipped how even a small observation by the Court is often turned into a controversial issue. "You want to use some issue, make us observe and then make it controversial and then only blame game will remain. Debates in TV is creating more pollution than everyone else," the CJI said.The remark came in response to Delhi government counsel Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi's arguments on the Central government's figures about contribution of crop stubble burning by farmers to air pollution..During the hearing of the matter on Wednesday, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta raised issue with television debates stating that during some such debates, allegations were made that Mehta had misled the top court during the previous hearing of the case on aspect of contribution of stubble burning to air pollution. The Court, however, made it clear that it has not been misled."We were not misled at all. You said 10 per cent but it was pointed out in the affidavit that it was 30 to 40 per cent," said Justice Chandrachud. "These kind of criticisms keep happening. Our conscience is clear and we work for betterment of society," the CJI also weighed in.Mehta then proceeded to tell the Court about the directions issued by the Commission for the Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas to the States to improve air quality index..Dr. Singhvi representing the Delhi government, told the Court that the Centre's figures on stubble burning' contribution says that it varies from 0 to 58 per cent. "Possibly Mr Mehta has taken a four or six month average (to arrive at 10 per cent)," Dr. Singhvi said."Our focus is on how to reduce pollution. You are raising issues which are not important. Why are you raising these issues again and again," the CJI demanded."We are not blaming anyone.. both figures are of Centre," Dr. Singhvi said.."We don't want to penalise farmers. We have requested States to persuade the farmers to not burn stubble. Why are you again and again raising this," the CJI reiterated.He then said that the Court's observation is turned into a controversy so that blame game (possibly between States and Centre) can start. .Read more about today's hearing here..[Read Order]