Supreme Court to Review PIL on Pollution Control in Delhi NCR Tomorrow
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New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Supreme Court will convene on Monday to deliberate on a public interest litigation (PIL) focused on managing pollution in Delhi and the neighboring NCR region.
According to the causelist made available on the apex court's website, a panel of Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih will continue their examination of the case on December 2.
During a previous session, the court had instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to promptly take action against negligent officials and organizations for their inadequate enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.
The court noted that it could not allow any relaxation of Stage IV measures until it was assured that there was a persistent decline in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Until further notice, the bench led by Justice Oka has mandated that the governments of Delhi and NCR utilize funds collected as labour cess to support the welfare of construction workers, providing them with a weekly subsistence allowance during the suspension of construction activities.
The Commission (CAQM) has comprehensive authority under Section 12(1) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to instruct various authorities to implement measures ensuring that labourers, daily wagers, and economically disadvantaged groups do not face hardships. Hence, the court has directed the Commission to consider necessary actions immediately.
The Supreme Court also requested that the CAQM assess the possibility of easing restrictions for educational institutions, as many students have been deprived of mid-day meals due to school closures or the lack of facilities for online learning.
Many students’ homes lack air purifiers, meaning that the conditions at home may not significantly differ from those in schools. An appropriate decision is expected from the Commission regarding this matter, even without a formal order being available.
Moreover, the court asked the CAQM to make a determination on whether to continue the ban on in-person classes for Classes 10 and 12.
The court emphasized that a decision should be reached by the Commission within the day or, at the latest, by tomorrow morning for prompt implementation, insisting that all actions outlined in Stage IV must be rigorously enforced.
