Expressing Concerns Over Delhi Air Pollution, Supreme Court Judge Advices Lawyers to Appear Virtually
New Delhi: Expressing concerns over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, a Supreme Court judge on Thursday (November 13) asked lawyers to appear virtually before the court instead of in person, as it could cause permanent damage to their health.
“Situation is very very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have a virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage…," said Justice P.S. Narasimha on Thursday, reported The Tribune.
Justice Narassimha was heading a bench that also included Justice Atul S Chandurkar. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to be “severe”, with toxic air being a constant since the beginning of the month.
Later, when senior counsel Kapil Sibal said that lawyers were using masks, Justice Narasimha said, "Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice… We will discuss with the Chief Justice (of India) as well."
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) AQI bulletin released on November 13, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 408 in the last 24 hours. On Wednesday (November 12), the AQI in Delhi at the same time was 428.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to spell out the steps taken by them to control stubble burning.
"Let Punjab and Haryana governments respond on steps taken to control stubble burning," a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai had said. The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 17.
Amicus curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh told the court that in order to avoid detection, farmers were delaying stubble burning and burning it after the satellite passed away.
Another a plea has been filed in the top court seeking to declare an AQI level of over 250 as a 'disaster' under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
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