Delhi air pollution: CJI recommends hybrid hearing mode for Supreme Court cases

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised members of the Bar and parties appearing in person to opt for the hybrid mode of hearings through videoconferencing in matters listed before the Supreme Court, citing prevailing weather and pollution conditions in the national capital.

In a circular issued on Sunday, the Supreme Court administration said the Chief Justice had suggested that, “In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the members of the Bar/parties-in-person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through videoconferencing facility in their matters listed before the courts,” in view of the current conditions.

The advisory comes as Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 461 on Sunday. This marked the city’s most polluted day so far this winter and the second-worst December air quality recorded, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants near the surface.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI of 0–50 is classified as ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’. Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can pose serious risks to public health.

Earlier, on November 26, the Chief Justice had flagged concerns over Delhi’s pollution levels while considering whether Supreme Court proceedings should shift to a virtual-only format. He had remarked that he felt unwell after going for an hour-long walk the previous day. These observations were made at the start of hearings on petitions challenging the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and other states.

The Supreme Court currently operates in a hybrid mode, allowing both physical and virtual appearances. On November 13, Supreme Court judge Justice P S Narasimha had also advised advocates to attend hearings virtually rather than appear in person, citing the hazardous air quality across Delhi-NCR.

PTI