Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court today refused to list an application seeking immediate phased implementation of the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) to tackle the worsening Delhi Air Pollution Crisis.

The counsel made an urgent mentioning before the bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran, Justice NV Anjaria.

The counsel stated that an interim application was sought to be filed in the ongoing Delhi NCR Air Pollution matter seeking for " immediate adoption and phased implementation of the WHO (measures)"

The CJI inquired who had filed the application

The Counsel responded that the applicant was an advocate having expertise in environmental law.

The CJI remarked, " There are enough lawyers with expertise in environment law before us (in the matter)"

The counsel, however, requested that the application be listed for tomorrow, when the Court is hearing the MC Mehta case in realtion to the Delhi's air quality.

Turning down the request, the CJI replied : "Not necessary"

Notably, the bench is scheduled to hear tomorrow (November 12) the issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR as part of the batch of environmental pleas in the MC Mehta Case.

Previously, the bench was informed that various news reports have emerged flagging the non-functioning of air monitoring stations across the National Capital.

Considering the same, the Court had directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file an affidavit stating the steps taken to prevent the pollution from worsening further.

On October 14, the Court temporarily relaxed the absolute ban on the use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region and allowed the use of green firecrackers for the Diwali festival, subject to certain restrictions.

Case Title – MC Mehta v. Union of India WP (C) 13029/1985