Supreme Court flags inaction on thermal power reforms, calls for plan to reduce carbon emissions

The Supreme Court on July 22 directed the Ministry of Power to convene a joint meeting with key energy regulators to devise a clear strategy for reducing carbon emissions from coal-based power plants [Ridhima Pandey vs. Union of India & Ors.]..A Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar expressed concerns that continued regulatory delays would severely affect air quality in Delhi.Based on the Amicus Curiae's report, the Court noted that coal-fired thermal power plants were among the largest contributors to PM2.5 emissions in the Delhi-NCR region and that flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems had been installed in only a fraction of them despite government mandates..The report also expressed concern about power plants located within 300 km of Delhi continuing to violate sulphur dioxide emission standards laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change..The proceedings stem from an earlier order dated February 21, 2025 in which the Court took note of the broader climate emergency and observed that India was witnessing intensified weather events and environmental instability due to rising emissions. “Climate change has ascended as one of the most existential global predicaments, wielding profound ramifications beyond mere environmental degradation,” the Court had said in that order..During the July 22 hearing, the Court recorded submissions made by the Union government and the Amicus Curiae on the carbon footprint of different sectors. Based on this material, the bench noted that thermal power generation alone accounts for about 8 per cent of national carbon emissions and contributes heavily to particulate matter pollution..The report noted that the Government of India had made strides in expanding renewable power capacity, which now comprises almost half of all installed electricity generation in the country. However, it said that this transition must also be accompanied by reform in the coal sector and robust enforcement of emission standards.The Amicus Curiae also highlighted that a recent notification of July 11, 2025 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in fact diluted the 2015 norms on carbon emissions. .To ensure coordinated regulatory action, the Court directed that the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission be made parties to the proceedings. It instructed the Ministry of Power to convene a meeting with these bodies and file a joint affidavit within four weeks detailing current regulatory mechanisms, emission reduction strategies, and the proposed timeline for decarbonisation, including the installation of FGD systems..The matter will next be heard on August 19..[Read Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.