New Delhi, November 15, 2025 — Delhi’s air quality has plunged into a severe crisis, with the Air Quality Index crossing 430, prompting the Supreme Court to advise lawyers to stop attending hearings physically and switch to virtual mode until conditions improve.
The CPCB monitoring station near the Supreme Court recorded AQI levels of 437, driven by stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions and heavy stubble-burning across Punjab and Haryana. A thick layer of smog has reduced visibility to below 200 metres in several parts of the capital.
A bench led by Justice P. S. Narasimha expressed strong concern, noting that the pollution could cause “permanent damage” and that even masks may not provide adequate protection. The court asked lawyers to make full use of virtual hearing facilities immediately.
While the Supreme Court has repeatedly directed authorities to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, enforcement on ground remains inconsistent. Construction activity continues at multiple sites, older commercial vehicles are still operating, and crop-residue burning remains widespread.
Doctors warn that AQI levels above 400 significantly increase the risk of asthma attacks, lung inflammation, cardiovascular stress, and long-term respiratory impairment. Residents across Delhi-NCR have reported severe irritation in the eyes and throat as the smog thickens.
With the capital facing yet another winter of hazardous air, the Supreme Court’s virtual-hearing push has highlighted the urgency of immediate, strict enforcement to prevent further health deterioration.
