The Supreme Court expressed concern about air pollution in Delhi NCR and said that it will implement only those instructions which can be followed because its biggest impact will be seen on the poor. The court said that the court should pass only those guidelines which are enforceable.
Before a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Panchauli on Monday (December 15, 2025), amicus curiae Aparajita Singh said that measures are in place to tackle pollution, but the issue is that the authorities are implementing them poorly.
Aparajita Singh said that until the court gives any instructions, the officials do not follow the already existing protocol. On this, CJI Surya Kant said, ‘The matter will come up for hearing on Wednesday, a bench of three judges will hear it and we will give only those orders which can be implemented.’
CJI Surya Kant said on the arguments of Aparajita Singh, ‘If there are problems then what is the solution and what instructions should be given, we will give only those instructions. If we pass any orders, they may say that we are unable to follow them or they may not understand its seriousness. We will have to find solutions to both the problems. There are some instructions, which can be implemented forcefully. People will have to adapt according to those circumstances. They will have to change their lifestyle, but people in big cities have their own lifestyle, which is difficult to change.
CJI Surya Kant also expressed concern over the impact of these instructions on the poor, that also needs to be seen. The amicus told the court that the poor are most affected. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 Due to restrictions, workers working on construction sites are out of work.
Another lawyer, citing an application related to health issues of children, said that despite earlier orders, schools are organizing outdoor sports activities. Amicus Curiae also said, ‘Despite the order of this court, schools have found ways to organize these sports activities…these activities are taking place. CAQM is once again citing the order of this court.
On Monday, Delhi remained wrapped in a blanket of dense smog, due to which the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 498, which falls in the severe category. The AQI was severe at 38 centres, while it was very poor at two centres. In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had said that the petition filed against air pollution cannot be considered a normal case, which should be listed only in the winter months. The court had said that the case will be heard twice a month to find short-term and long-term solutions to this problem.
