Supreme Court slams NCR states for failing to pay labourers amid pollution curbs
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The Supreme Court has strongly criticized Delhi and other National Capital Region (NCR) states for failing to compensate construction workers after halting building activities due to severe air pollution.
The apex court expressed frustration over the lack of compliance with its directive, pointing out that no evidence of any payments to laborers has been provided. A bench comprising Justices AS Oka and AG Masih stated, “It is our experience that the ball starts rolling only when top officials are summoned.” Consequently, the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been instructed to appear via video conference on Thursday with proof of compliance.
The court also refused to ease restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), designed to counter worsening air quality. Although the Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved slightly from the 'severe +' category to 'very poor,' the bench maintained that further relaxations would only be considered if the downward trend in AQI continued.
Highlighting significant lapses in governance, the court noted a "complete lack of coordination" among various agencies, including the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Reports submitted by court-appointed commissioners revealed "shocking" conditions and instances of intimidation. One commissioner recounted being warned by local authorities about threats from gangsters and criminals in areas where stubble burning was rampant.
The court commended the commissioners for their dedication, stating they had risked their lives to report on the ground realities. It directed Delhi Police to provide them with armed protection if necessary and submit a detailed report on actions taken to address these threats.
The Centre’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, argued that GRAP curbs were “extremely disruptive,” but the court stood firm, emphasizing, “Without a clear downward trend, how can we relax?”
The bench also dismissed a lawyer’s complaint about the lack of mask distribution, saying, “You want us to run the government? There has to be a limit.”
The court permitted the Delhi government to carry out urgent repairs of sewage lines and roads but imposed strict conditions. “No vehicle unauthorized by law shall be used for this purpose,” it stated.
