NEW DELHI, Nov 27: The Supreme Court on Thursday stressed that the judiciary cannot deliver instant or “miraculous” solutions to Delhi-NCR’s toxic air, as Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant warned against unrealistic expectations from the court amid persistently hazardous pollution levels.
Responding to a request by amicus curiae Aparajita Singh to urgently hear the long-pending MC Mehta air pollution case, CJI Kant said: “What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? Tell me, what can we direct so that there is clean air immediately?” He noted that despite the alarming conditions, the real causes are multiple and complex, requiring scientific assessment and region-specific solutions from domain experts rather than judicial improvisation.
The CJI acknowledged that the issue resurfaces each winter and then fades from public and administrative focus. Calling this pattern counterproductive, he directed that the matter be monitored “on a continuous basis,” scheduling the next hearing for December 1.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, CJI Kant also shared that he struggled to finish his morning walk due to the worsening air quality. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said he had stopped walking outdoors completely, adding that the AQI remains dangerous even in the evenings.
The Supreme Court had earlier urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to postpone school sports events, warning that children are the most vulnerable. On Wednesday, Justice P.S. Narasimha advised lawyers to consider virtual hearings to avoid “permanent damage” from breathing the toxic air.
Recognising the gravity of the crisis, the bench reaffirmed that while the court can monitor and direct coordination, the long-term solution lies in scientific action and accountable governance across agencies.
