Delhi pollution: CJI says judges asked to allow virtual hearings wherever possible

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday announced that instructions have been issued to all judges to facilitate virtual court proceedings when feasible, considering the critical air pollution situation in the Delhi-NCR region.

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During the court session, as the bench consisting of the CJI and Justice Sanjay Kumar convened, several legal representatives, including Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil Sibal, highlighted the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and NCR, requesting urgent action to address the situation.

"We have told all the judges to allow virtual hearings wherever possible," the CJI said.

"Pollution is getting out of control," Sibal said.

He was supported by several lawyers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Gopal Sankaranarayanan.

"It needs to go down. The message should go to other courts," Sibal added.

The solicitor general said the top court, as a matter of principle, should go virtual.

"We have given the message to accommodate everybody. Moreover, online is anyway available," the CJI said.

The Supreme Court observed on Monday that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had deteriorated to 'severe plus' levels and instructed all states in the Delhi-NCR region to immediately establish enforcement teams for implementing GRAP 4 anti-pollution measures. The court specified that these restrictions would remain in force until further directives.

At 8am on Monday, Delhi registered its most critical Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of the season at 484. Several locations in the city reported AQI measurements exceeding 500.

(With inputs from agency)

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