New Delhi | December 17, 2025 :
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took up an urgent hearing on the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, stressing the need for immediate and effective implementation of existing measures rather than merely drafting protocols.
Observing the severe pollution levels, the court asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider temporarily closing or relocating nine toll plazas located at Delhi’s borders to reduce vehicular congestion and emissions.
Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant emphasized the importance of practical solutions, stating that protocols often remain ineffective due to poor enforcement. “Let us focus on workable and effective solutions to this threat,” the CJI remarked.
School Holidays to Continue
During the hearing, the issue of school closures in Delhi was also raised. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy argued that repeated school closures disproportionately harm children from economically weaker sections, depriving them of benefits such as mid-day meals.
Responding to the concerns, the CJI said the matter should be left to subject-matter experts. The Supreme Court ruled that school holidays will continue for now, expressing hope that pollution levels would improve before schools reopen.
The CJI also noted that in such cases, expert opinions are often missing, allowing lawyers to assume the role of specialists.
Relief for Construction Workers
Addressing concerns raised by labor organizations, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to verify construction workers left unemployed due to pollution-related restrictions and ensure that financial assistance is directly credited to their bank accounts.
The court also asked the Delhi government to explore alternative employment options for affected workers. The Delhi government informed the court that out of 2.5 lakh registered construction workers, around 7,000 have been verified, and funds will soon be transferred to their accounts.
The court cautioned that the money must not be diverted or transferred to any other accounts.
Traffic Congestion at Toll Plazas
The issue of pollution caused by traffic jams at toll plazas was also highlighted. The Supreme Court questioned why authorities could not announce that no toll plazas would operate until January. The CJI warned against arbitrary revenue-driven decisions, directing the Delhi government to consider closing all nine toll plazas temporarily and set a one-week deadline for a final decision.
