CJI voices concern over Delhi's toxicair: 'what about the poor?', Supreme court seeks action

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): An important hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Monday on the issue of pollution and toxic air reaching life-threatening levels in Delhi-NCR. The apex court has taken a serious stance on the air quality of the capital and violation of rules. Taking cognizance of the matter, the court clarified that a detailed hearing on this issue will now be held on Wednesday, December 17. During the hearing, the Chief Justice expressed concern for the poor sections suffering from pollution and talked about giving practical orders.

On Monday, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae, argued before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi that precautionary measures and rules to curb pollution already exist, but the real problem is their implementation. She told the court that unless the Supreme Court issues strict orders, authorities will be negligent in following the existing protocols. Meanwhile, another lawyer raised the issue of children's health, saying that despite earlier court orders, schools have found 'backdoors' and are still conducting sports activities, putting children's health at risk.

The Chief Justice, recognizing the gravity of the situation, remarked that the court was aware of the problem, but orders should be passed that were enforceable on the ground. Highlighting the difference between the rich and the poor, the Chief Justice said that while people in this urban metropolitan city have their own lifestyles, the worst impacts of pollution fall on the poor and laborers. The amicus curiae also agreed that the working class is the most affected. However, the court stated that there are certain directives that can be strictly enforced, and a three-judge bench will consider the matter in detail on Wednesday.