Supreme Court News: The Supreme Court has made strict verbal remarks regarding the continuously increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court said that whatever steps have been taken so far to control pollution have proved to be a complete failure. The bench led by CJI Surya Kant clearly said that to bring about a real reduction in pollution, not immediate but comprehensive and long-term planning is needed. During the hearing, CJI also took a dig at the lawyers. CJI Surya Kant said that in such cases, advice is less available from experts and only lawyers become experts. During the hearing on the petitions filed regarding the health of children, the court termed the Delhi government’s decision to close schools and adopt hybrid model as a temporary policy. The bench said that these decisions have been taken only with the aim of reducing the risk for some time. The court refused to interfere in the matter, saying that short-term measures are meant to provide temporary protection to children and the elderly. The bench remarked that these can be considered as an extension of winter holidays, because during this period anyway schools remain closed for 10 to 15 days.
1. Is there a vacuum cleaner at home? What arguments were given in the court on the closure of mid-day meals?
Advocate Guruswami presented strong arguments in the court. He said that last year 85 percent of poor children could not go to school. Due to this malnutrition is spreading. When schools are closed, we ensure that poor children do not get food. He asked how the children would be protected by keeping them at home. Do they have vacuum cleaners in their homes? Poor children go to school on foot. They are not contributing to pollution.
2. Do 16 year old children have high immunity? What did the lawyers say on hybrid classes?
Senior lawyer Luthra demanded hybrid class. He said that this option should be available till class 12th. It is not that the immunity of 16 to 17 year old children is better. ASG Bhati said that there is a serious emergency since Sunday. Children’s lives are in danger. Efforts are being made to reduce congestion on the roads. The court said that there is a risk if parents leave their children to school.
Situation in Delhi on Wednesday morning (17 December 2025). (Photo: PTI)
3. Is online education only for the rich?
It was raised in the court that hybrid education is in favor of rich families. Poor children suffer the most from this. CJI said that rich people will keep their children safe. But the remaining children will remain at risk. This system can create discrimination. The court accepted that the elderly are also in danger due to pollution. It is no longer safe to go to public places like parks. ASG Aishwarya Bhati said that the situation was very serious on December 15. Therefore schools had to be closed.
4. Have lawyers become experts? What else did the Supreme Court say in the hearing on pollution?
The court made important comments on the interference of a lawyer during the hearing. The bench said that Our problem is that we get less advice from experts. Here lawyers become experts. The court suggested to postpone winter vacation earlier. So that pollution can be reduced after the holidays. ASG said that 2.5 lakh laborers have been registered. Of these, 35 thousand have been verified. Money will be sent directly to their bank account. The CJI said that the states paying the laborers should file a status report in the next hearing.
5. Now will you impose toll in CP also? Why did the Supreme Court reprimand MCD?
CJI has given strict advice to MCD. He said that no fee should be charged at the toll plaza till 31st December. This will reduce pollution caused by vehicles. The court asked a tough question whether you will start building toll plaza inside CP from tomorrow for money. Why can’t the authorities announce that there will be no toll plazas till January? The court also told lawyer Pinky Anand that toll plazas on national highways should be at a distance of 50 kilometers. Right now it is at a distance of 5-10 kilometers. If the distance increases then traffic can be diverted. The court has issued a notice to CAQM on removal of toll between October and January.
