Delhi: In a stark note on Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court on Thursday said the pollution situation in the national capital is “very serious” and asked lawyers to attend hearings virtually instead of appearing in person. On Thursday, the nation’s capital woke up to another muggy day as air quality remained in the “severe” category for the third straight day, with the AQI soaring above 400 at several stations.
“The situation is very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have a virtual hearing facility. Please use it. This pollution will cause permanent damage,” the apex court said, the Bar and Bench said.
The comments by the Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Atul S Chandrukar come amid worsening air pollution in Delhi.
“Even masks are not enough”
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in court, noted that many lawyers were already wearing masks.
To this, Justice Narasimha replied, “Even masks are not enough. That will not be enough. We will also speak to the Chief Justice.”
What is the AQI in Delhi today?
Of the 37 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 27 recorded “severe” AQI levels on Thursday. The worst affected areas included Burari (433), Chandni Chowk (455), Anand Vihar (431), Mundka (438), Bawana (460) and Wazirpur (452).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor and 401–500 severe.
New Delhi: A commuter wears a mask amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, in Delhi, Thursday, November 13, 2025. Air quality in the city remained “severe” for the third consecutive day, according to officials. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav) (PTI11_13_2025_000146B)
The “severe” category indicates a level of pollution that can affect healthy people and seriously affect those with pre-existing conditions.
Delhi recorded its first “severe” air quality day of the season on Tuesday with an AQI of 428 – the first such reading since December 2024.
On Wednesday, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran asked the Punjab and Haryana governments about measures taken to control stubble burning in their states, which is one of the factors aggravating air pollution in Delhi and other Indo-Gangetic plains states.
Which phase of GRAP is applicable in Delhi?
The CAQM on November 11 invoked Phase III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the national average air quality index (AQI) rose sharply on Tuesday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has blamed a stable atmosphere and adverse weather conditions for rising pollution levels, allowing pollutants to accumulate near the surface.
What is prohibited, allowed under GRAP III?
Under GRAP Stage 3 restrictions, construction and demolition activities are prohibited except for the suspension of industrial operations in those sectors that use non-approved fuels. All construction activities in the national capital are suspended except for essential projects such as roads, railways and airports.
Delhi-registered Diesel Medium Duty Vehicles (MGVs) and non-Delhi-registered Specific Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will not be allowed. In addition, persons transporting basic goods are exempt from tax.
