As pollution levels in Delhi-NCR touched dangerous highs this week, Supreme Court judge Justice P. S. Narasimha on Thursday urged lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court physically.
The observation came while Justice Narasimha, sitting on the bench with Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, was hearing mentioning matters. Noting the persistent smog and worsening air quality across the region, he advised advocates to minimise exposure by using the court’s virtual hearing facilities.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that several lawyers had already begun wearing masks in the courtroom. Responding to this, Justice Narasimha warned that masks alone may not provide sufficient protection from the pollution. He remarked that “the toxic air can cause permanent damage,” emphasising the health risk posed by current conditions.
Delhi has been battling severe air pollution since the start of the month. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘severe’ category throughout the week. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city recorded its first “severe” air quality day of the season on Tuesday, with an AQI of 428 at 4 pm. A similar reading was reported on Wednesday as well.
The judges’ comments come at a time when health advisories across Delhi-NCR have urged residents to limit outdoor activity, with several institutions also shifting to online modes temporarily as air quality continues to fall.
