New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) The Supreme Court today agreed to urgently list the Delhi–NCR air pollution matter (the MC Mehta case) next Monday, while cautioning that the judiciary cannot be expected to deliver instantaneous solutions to a crisis of this scale.
A Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while hearing a mentioning for urgent listing, remarked that Delhi’s worsening air quality is a “health emergency”, but stressed that the Court must rely on scientific and expert inputs rather than ad-hoc judicial directions.
“We know the problem. We need to identify all the reasons. There is no one single reason, it would be a mistake to think so,” the CJI observed, responding to Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, the amicus curiae, who highlighted the “alarming” situation in the national capital.
Noting that the judiciary has limitations, the CJI asked, “What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? Tell me, what can we direct so that there is clean air immediately?”
The Bench emphasised the need to understand which committees the government has formed, what the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is doing, and what solutions are feasible across different regions.
Singh informed the Court that the CAQM is already monitoring the situation and issuing directives. However, the CJI stressed that long-term mechanisms must replace the present seasonal approach.
Calling out the pattern of only hearing pollution matters during Diwali, the CJI remarked, “This matter is listed in a ceremonial way during the Diwali season. After winters, it disappears. Let us have regular monitoring.”
He added that the Supreme Court intends to hear the pollution matter “on a regular, continuous basis”, noting that the issue resurfaces every winter and fades thereafter.
The CJI reiterated the need for scientific consultation, “We must involve domain experts and scientists. Only they can comprehensively assess the contributing factors and possible solutions.”
Recounting the severity of the current situation, the CJI also mentioned that he himself has avoided outdoor walks due to the deteriorating air quality in the capital.
The matter will be taken up next Monday for detailed consideration.
