Let Us Pass Orders Which Can Be Complied With: The Supreme Court of India has once again drawn national attention to the worsening air pollution situation in the Delhi-NCR region. On Monday, the apex court stated that it will list a crucial petition for hearing on December 17, focusing on the alarming deterioration of air quality and the lack of effective enforcement of existing preventive measures. This development comes at a time when residents of the national capital are grappling with one of the most severe pollution episodes of the season.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi, acknowledged submissions highlighting that although regulatory frameworks and preventive protocols exist, their implementation remains weak. The court was informed that multiple authorities tend to delay or ignore compliance until explicit judicial directions are issued. This recurring pattern has raised concerns about administrative accountability and governance efficiency in managing environmental crises.
Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, appearing as amicus curiae, emphasized that the core issue is not the absence of policies but the failure to execute them on the ground. She pointed out that compliance improves only after direct intervention by the Supreme Court, indicating a systemic lapse in proactive governance. Her submissions underlined the urgent need for strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to pollution control norms.
The issue of children’s health also came up during the proceedings. Another application brought to the court’s notice highlighted that several schools continue to conduct outdoor sports activities despite earlier court orders restricting such practices during periods of hazardous air quality. This has raised serious questions about public awareness, institutional responsibility, and the prioritization of student health in highly polluted urban environments.
The Commission for Air Quality Management was also mentioned during the hearing, with concerns that it continues to cite previous court orders without ensuring real-time enforcement. The bench indicated that merely referring to judicial directives is insufficient if there is no tangible action on the ground. This reflects a broader challenge of coordination among regulatory bodies responsible for air pollution control in metropolitan regions.
While discussing the broader social implications, the Chief Justice noted that urban populations often have lifestyle choices that contribute to pollution, but the worst impact is borne by economically weaker sections. Daily wage laborers, construction workers, and outdoor workers face prolonged exposure to toxic air without adequate protection. The court acknowledged that any long-term solution must consider social equity and the disproportionate burden on vulnerable communities.
The Supreme Court reiterated that cases related to air pollution should not be treated as seasonal or customary matters addressed only during winter months. The bench clarified that it plans to hear the matter at least twice a month to evaluate both short-term interventions and long-term policy solutions. This approach signals a shift toward sustained judicial oversight rather than reactive responses.
On the same day as the hearing, Delhi experienced extremely hazardous air conditions, with the Air Quality Index reaching 498, placing it firmly in the severe category. Out of 40 monitoring stations, 38 reported severe air quality, while two recorded very poor levels. Jahangirpuri emerged as the most polluted area, registering the highest AQI reading.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI values between 401 and 500 are classified as severe, indicating serious health risks even for healthy individuals. Exposure at this level can aggravate respiratory diseases, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Experts attribute the recent spike to weak wind conditions and low temperatures that prevent pollutants from dispersing.
Delhi’s AQI had already touched 461 on Sunday, marking the city’s most polluted day of the winter and one of the worst December readings on record. These conditions highlight the urgent need for coordinated action involving government agencies, judicial oversight, public participation, and long-term environmental planning to prevent recurring air pollution emergencies.
