CJI considers virtual-only hearings in SC amid Delhi’s severe air pollution
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New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is exploring the possibility of shifting Supreme Court hearings to a virtual-only mode due to the worsening air pollution in the national capital. The CJI revealed he felt unwell after an hour-long walk the previous day, citing the impact of the hazardous air quality.
The observations were made at the start of a hearing on pleas challenging the Election Commission’s decision to conduct Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and other states. Senior lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the poll panel, requested exemption from personal appearance, citing health concerns.
“I have congestion issues. Please allow my colleague to take notes. I want to appear through video conferencing on the next date,” Dwivedi said, adding that he was experiencing discomfort after his morning walk. “I want your lordships' leave. Permission may be given to appear online, I am not well,” he further stated.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal echoed the concerns, noting, “At our age, we are breathing this obnoxious air when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 400-500.” Responding to this, the CJI said, “Yesterday, I went for a walk for an hour. I was not feeling well.” He also mentioned the possibility of exempting lawyers aged 60 and above from in-person hearings.
“If I take any decision, then we will take the bar into confidence first. We will consider the hardships faced by lawyers and litigants. If we get a proposal, then we will do something. I will meet office-bearers in the evening and take some steps,” the CJI added.
Currently, the Supreme Court operates in a hybrid mode, allowing proceedings to take place both physically and virtually.
The air quality in Delhi was recorded in the “very poor” category on Wednesday morning, with an AQI of 335. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI levels are classified as: good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (401-500). The city has been grappling with poor air quality for several weeks.
With PTI inputs