SC advises hybrid hearings as Delhi-NCR air quality turns 'very poor'

In view of prevailing weather conditions and deteriorating air quality in the national capital the Supreme Court has advised members of the Bar and partiesinperson to avail the hybrid mode of appearance wherever convenient for matters listed before the apex courtA circular issued by the Supreme Court Registry said that the advisory was issued on the directions of the Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant urging the use of videoconferencing facilities in appropriate cases if convenientThe circular has been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association the Supreme Court AdvocatesonRecord Association all notice boards and other concerned authorities for wider disseminationEarlier this month the CJI Kantled Bench had expressed strong concern over Delhirsquos toxic air making it clear that it could not remain a mute spectator while millions of the national capitals residents continue to breathe polluted airWhile hearing a public interest litigation PIL on controlling air pollution in Delhi the Bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM to submit an actionable report addressing the recurring air crisisThe CJI Kantled bench had also cautioned against oversimplifying the causes of pollution by singling out stubble burning alone stressing that multiple factors including construction activity and vehicular emissions contribute to the problemWe do not want to comment on stubble burning as it would be incorrect to burden the people who are hardly represented in the court the apex court had observedIn an earlier hearing the apex court had emphasised the need for a longterm strategy to tackle DelhiNCRs recurring air pollution crisis instead of shortterm responses every winterYou can give suggestions but they cannot be for two days one week or three weeks We need a longterm solution so that this problem reduces gradually every year CJI Kantled Bench had told the CentreLast month Justice PS Narasimha had urged lawyers to shift to virtual hearings in view of Delhirsquos very very serious pollution levels and cautioned that the situation could cause permanent damageSituation is very very serious Why are you all appearing here Justice Narasimha had remarkedWe have the virtual hearing facility Please avail it This pollution will cause permanent damage he addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever