The Supreme Court acknowledged its limitations in tackling Delhi-NCR’s air pollution, stating it lacks a ‘magic wand.’ Decades of judicial intervention have yielded minimal results, with authorities failing to implement past orders. The court emphasized the need for long-term, year-round solutions involving domain experts and coordinated government efforts, rather than just winter-specific actions. NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday said it doesn’t have a magic wand to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR, virtually admitting that judicial activism for decades, after initial rewards, has yielded minimal results in loosening the grip of noxious air over the region. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae in air pollution cases, told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that there has been no dent in pollution levels because authorities weren’t implementing a series of past apex court orders. She requested early listing of pleas for curbing air pollution which is leading to a health emergency in the region.CJI Kant, who the day before narrated his discomfiture due to toxic air, said, “What magic wand judiciary has to clear pollution? Moreover, by the time we hear parties and pass orders, if air flow is favourable, the ambient air gets better, rendering directions otiose.” He agreed long-term solutions were needed with coordinated efforts round-the-year. Singh said SC has already passed orders for action to be taken by authorities in a graded manner depending on the levels of air pollution. “All it requires is implementation in letter and spirit,” she said.CJI Kant, who comes from an agriculturist joint family from a village in Haryana, indicated that it was wrong to put the blame on farm fires as the main cause of air pollution. “The problem of air pollution is known to everyone. It’s also known that there are a variety of reasons for this,” he said.While agreeing to list the matter for hearing on Monday, the bench said, “Only domain experts and scientists can identify the reasons for air pollution in Delhi and NCR. They can suggest remedial measures for each of the identified reasons. The solution must be a long term one.”SC also balked at “ceremonial listing” of matters relating to air pollution in Delhi-NCR only at the onset of winter before Diwali. “After devising a long-term solution to the problem, it should be implemented in a coordinated manner by all authorities of govts concerned and monitored by SC round the year,” it said. CJI Kant said, “We understand the difficulties faced by residents of Delhi and NCR due to pollution. But neither judges nor advocates are experts on this issue.” Singh said the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has experts who can get SC orders implemented in letter and spirit and provide much needed relief to citizens. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Is a Key Ally, Cyprus Assures Strong Push to Finalise India–EU FTA TalksImran Khan Health Rumour: PTI Holds Sit In Outside Adiala Jail, KP CM Sohail Afridi Stages ProtestRam Madhav Challenges ‘No-Religion’ Narrative in White Collar Terror DebateAustralia Says India Is Now A Leading Global Power, Credits PM Modi For Transforming World DynamicsOusted PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Conviction as Court Awards 21-Year TermPM Modi Announces Major Move Allowing Private Players Into Nuclear Sector To Spur Advanced ReactorsExplained: Why Vikram-I Could Transform India’s Satellite Launch Market And Global Space Leadership‘Pak, Bangladesh, US…’: BJP Alleges Congress Using Foreign ‘X’ Accounts to Set India’s NarrativePakistan’s Adiala Jail Issues Statement On Imran Khan’s Health Amid Viral Death RumoursThe Indrajaal Ranger: India Unveils AI-Enabled Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle In Hyderabad123Photostories‘Stranger Things’ cast: Then and now‘Stranger Things’ cast: Educational qualificationsTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi being older than Amit Bhatt to Mandar Chandwadkar leaving his Dubai job for acting; Lesser-known facts about the castGastroenterologist doctor reveals the power of eating 3 eggs everyday5 must-visit national parks in the USA that are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites5 things to do during Brahma Muhurta for 21 days to transform your lifeThe hidden skill of Metacognition: What is it and how it makes the brain work smarterFrom Jonathan to Alagba: 5 tortoises across the world with exceptionally long lifespansMillie Bobby Brown’s promotional looks for ‘Stranger Things 5’Despite 180 flops and 47 disasters, THIS actor became a cult icon in Russia — His name will surprise you123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayNew Labour CodeWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingDeion SandersAyesha CurryTaylor SwiftMarqury CollinsStefon DiggsSaudi Prince Mohammed Bin SalmanCharlie McAvoyWPL Auction Who Got WhomSteveWillDoIt ControversyCandace Owens
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday said it doesn’t have a magic wand to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR, virtually admitting that judicial activism for decades, after initial rewards, has yielded minimal results in loosening the grip of noxious air over the region. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae in air pollution cases, told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that there has been no dent in pollution levels because authorities weren’t implementing a series of past apex court orders. She requested early listing of pleas for curbing air pollution which is leading to a health emergency in the region.CJI Kant, who the day before narrated his discomfiture due to toxic air, said, “What magic wand judiciary has to clear pollution? Moreover, by the time we hear parties and pass orders, if air flow is favourable, the ambient air gets better, rendering directions otiose.” He agreed long-term solutions were needed with coordinated efforts round-the-year. Singh said SC has already passed orders for action to be taken by authorities in a graded manner depending on the levels of air pollution. “All it requires is implementation in letter and spirit,” she said.CJI Kant, who comes from an agriculturist joint family from a village in Haryana, indicated that it was wrong to put the blame on farm fires as the main cause of air pollution. “The problem of air pollution is known to everyone. It’s also known that there are a variety of reasons for this,” he said.While agreeing to list the matter for hearing on Monday, the bench said, “Only domain experts and scientists can identify the reasons for air pollution in Delhi and NCR. They can suggest remedial measures for each of the identified reasons. The solution must be a long term one.”SC also balked at “ceremonial listing” of matters relating to air pollution in Delhi-NCR only at the onset of winter before Diwali. “After devising a long-term solution to the problem, it should be implemented in a coordinated manner by all authorities of govts concerned and monitored by SC round the year,” it said. CJI Kant said, “We understand the difficulties faced by residents of Delhi and NCR due to pollution. But neither judges nor advocates are experts on this issue.” Singh said the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has experts who can get SC orders implemented in letter and spirit and provide much needed relief to citizens.
