THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 15: The Supreme Court on Monday made sharp observations regarding the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, indirectly targeting the affluent section of society.
The court noted that the brunt of air pollution is borne most heavily by the poor, while the wealthy often play a significant role in its propagation.
The court also scheduled the next hearing on a petition concerning the declining air quality in Delhi-NCR for December 17.
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While fixing the date, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi heard arguments from senior advocate Aparajita Singh.
Aparajita Singh, assisting as an amicus curiae, argued that state governments do not pay adequate attention to tackling pollution unless explicitly directed by the court. She alleged that while protocols for pollution control exist, they are not being properly implemented.
Singh also reminded the court that previous orders had prohibited sports activities in December–January, which are still being held in several places.
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She further stated that although the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) cites Supreme Court orders, the ground-level situation remains unimproved.
Responding to this, CJI Suryakant observed that the court is aware of the issue. He added that some directives must be enforced strictly, but acknowledged that changing the lifestyle of people in metropolitan cities is not an easy task.
