Delhi Pollution very serious; masks not enough: Supreme Court asks lawyers to appear via VC

In a telling observation on the pollution levels in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday said that the situation is "very serious" and urged lawyers to appear via video conference (VC) instead of being present before court physically.

The observation was made by a Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Atul S Chandrukar.

"Situation is very very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage," the Court said.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in court, said that lawyers are using masks.

"Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice We will discuss with the Chief Justice as well," Justice Narasimha said.

According to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 425 at 9 AM on Tuesday. CAQM then announced a 9-point action plan under Stage-III of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

Another Bench of the Supreme Court is monitoring the issue of air pollution in Delhi.

On Wednesday, that Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran had asked Punjab and Haryana governments about the action taken to control stubble burning in their States, one of the factors which exacerbates air pollution in Delhi and other States in the Indo-Gangetic plains.