Supreme Court Warns Of “Permanent Damage” As Delhi's Air Quality Hits Dangerous Lows

The Supreme Court on Thursday voiced grave concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, warning that the capital’s continuing exposure to toxic air could result in “permanent damage” to human health. The stern remarks came from a bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar during a court hearing, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘severe’ category across multiple areas. The bench urged lawyers to use the option of virtual hearings instead of appearing physically in court to minimise exposure to the polluted air.

“Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it,” Justice Narasimha told those present in the courtroom. “This pollution — this will cause permanent damage,” he warned. Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who attended the hearing, remarked, “We are using the mask,” to which the bench responded, “Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. We will discuss with the Chief Justice as well.”

The national capital has been reeling under hazardous pollution levels for weeks, with several monitoring stations recording AQI readings above 400, classified as ‘severe.’ Under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), authorities have enforced emergency restrictions that include a ban on most non-essential construction and demolition activities, limiting BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, and ordering schools to shift to online classes for young students up to Class 5. The restrictions aim to curb particulate emissions and other major pollutants but have so far shown limited impact.

Also Read: Delhi’s AQI ‘Severe’ Again; Farm Fires Contribute 22% of PM2.5 Pollution Load

One of the major contributors to Delhi’s annual pollution crisis remains stubble burning in neighbouring states. Taking note of this, the Supreme Court has directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit detailed status reports on the measures taken to prevent crop residue burning. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae, highlighted inconsistencies in AQI monitoring data and called for stronger ground-level action. The bench will review the states’ reports when the matter resumes on Monday.

Environmental experts have warned that the health impact of prolonged exposure to such air pollution can be devastating, with rising cases of respiratory and cardiac illnesses. Despite multiple emergency steps rolled out every year, Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) continue to suffer from worsening winter smog caused by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and stagnant atmospheric conditions. The Supreme Court’s comments highlight the urgency of collective and sustained measures to safeguard public health in one of the world’s most polluted capitals.

Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality Turns ‘Severe’; Authorities Enforce GRAP Stage III Across NCR