The Supreme Court observed that while stubble burning in northern states like Punjab and Haryana continues to be blamed as one of the main reasons behind the winter smog and pollution crisis in Delhi and surrounding areas, there was a need to look at other factors as well.
Delhi covered in dense smog (ANI Video Grab)
The Supreme Court on Monday came in the defence of farmers during a hearing on the air pollution issue in the national capital region, stating “they remain unrepresented before us”.
The court observed that while stubble burning in northern states like Punjab and Haryana continues to be blamed as one of the main reasons behind the winter smog and pollution crisis in Delhi and surrounding areas, there was a need to look at other factors as well.
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“Stubble-burning was happening as usual. Why could people see blue skies 4 to 5 years ago? Why couldn’t they see now?” the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant asked, adding it was very easy to blame a section (farmers).
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A scientific analysis of factors other than stubble-burning also needs to be considered, the apex court suggested to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati representing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The court also suggested to the Centre as well as other concerned authorities to revisit their action plan which they had devised to fight the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR.
“Why don’t you revisit your action plan to see for yourself if you have brought any effective changes? And if you have, then are they less than what is needed? We think it is important to evaluate whether any of your action plans have proved to be effective or ineffective, or less effective. Despite your hesitance, confidence, of whether you would be able to achieve effective change, is it not right to revisit the action plan and do an evaluation of the steps you have taken so far?” CJI Kant said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Supreme Court suggests Centre and concerned authorities to revisit their action-plan with respect to reduction in air-pollution levels in Delhi NCR to see whether it has brought any effective changes.
“Why don’t you make a revisit to your action-plan to see for yourself that… pic.x.com/CTxV2ofNhC
— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025
The court further said that it will continue to hear the air pollution issue at least twice a month, while acknowledging that the situation may improve post-winter season, but added that “history will repeat itself” in this regard.
The Supreme Court then posted the matter to December 10 for further hearing.
Last week, the court had stated that judges do not have a magic wand to solve Delhi’s worsening air pollution crisis.
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“What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? I know this is hazardous for Delhi- NCR… Tell me what we can direct… that we can give directions, and there will be clean air immediately. We all know there is a problem. We need to identify all the reasons. There is no one single reason. It could be a bona fide mistake to think that. Only domain experts and scientists can look into that. Then we have to see what solutions are possible in each region,” the CJI said.
Stating that the court would now hear the matter on a continuous basis, the CJI added that issues related to air pollution are listed before the SC in “a rather ceremonial manner” every year during the Diwali season and that the issue needs regular monitoring.
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