In view of the prevailing weather and hazardous air quality conditions in the national capital, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised members of the Bar and parties appearing in person to avail the hybrid mode of hearings before the Supreme Court.
A circular issued on Sunday by the Supreme Court administration stated that, considering the current conditions, the Chief Justice has advised, if convenient, advocates and parties-in-person to appear through video conferencing in matters listed before the Court.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in Delhi’s air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 461 on Sunday, making it the city’s most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality recorded so far. Weak winds and low temperatures have led to pollutants remaining trapped near the surface.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category, posing serious health risks. Health experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to significant respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Earlier, on November 26, while hearing petitions challenging the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal, the Chief Justice had referred to the impact of pollution on health. At the outset of the hearing, he remarked that he felt unwell after going for an hour-long walk the previous day due to the poor air quality.
The Supreme Court currently functions through a hybrid system, allowing both physical and virtual participation. Earlier this month, on November 13, Justice P S Narasimha had also advised lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court in person, citing the hazardous air quality across Delhi-NCR.
