New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday said it would pass effective and enforceable orders to address the worsening air pollution crisis in the Delhi-NCR region.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, said the matter would be heard on December 17.

Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae, told the bench that while preventive mechanisms were already in place, poor implementation by authorities remained the primary concern.

“Till this court directs something, authorities do not comply with the existing protocols,” she submitted.

Responding to this, the bench noted that the matter was already listed before a three-judge bench and assured that it would be taken up.

Another counsel raised concerns related to children’s health, stating that despite earlier court directions, schools were still conducting outdoor sports activities during periods of severe pollution.

Highlighting repeated violations, the amicus said that despite a court order last month directing that sporting events should not be held during December-January, authorities had found ways to bypass the directive.

The CJI acknowledged the concern, stating, “We are aware of the problem. We will pass orders which can be complied with. There are certain directions which can be forcibly imposed.”

The bench also took note of the disproportionate impact of pollution on economically weaker sections, particularly daily-wage labourers affected by restrictions under GRAP-IV, which have halted construction activities.

“The poor suffer the most,” Singh submitted.

Emphasising the need for behavioural change, the CJI observed that lifestyle choices in metropolitan cities often aggravate the crisis. “People will have to adapt and modify their lifestyles. The problem largely arises with the affluent class, while the poor are the ones affected,” he said.

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Earlier in the day, Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 452, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Large parts of the capital were enveloped in dense smog, significantly reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents.