As Delhi continues to choke in pollution, the Supreme Court on Sunday issued a notification advising hybrid hearings in courts. In the order issued on December 14, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has
advised members of the Bar and parties-in-person to avail “hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing” as Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘Severe’ zone.
“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Honourable Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the Members of the Bar/Parties-in-Person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing facility in their matters listed before the Honourable Courts,” the order reads.
CJI flagged the pollution issue on November 26 as well and said he is considering the possibility of shifting apex court hearings to the virtual-only mode due to the severe air pollution.
Delhi Pollution Touches 500 Mark
As per the official data, today’s AQI in Delhi was recorded at 461, making it the second-worst December air quality day on record. In several areas, the pollution touched the 500 mark.
This is to be noted that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) does not register data beyond 500. In its categorisation, AQI between 401 and 500 is in the ‘severe’ zone.
According to the CPCB’s Sameer application, 38 of Delhi’s 39 active air quality monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ pollution levels by 4 pm today.
Rohini touched 500 during the day, while Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Mundka recorded AQI readings of 499.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday invoked the strictest measures (Stage IV) under its air pollution control plan, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR after pollution levels rose sharply amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
