Mon Nov 03 12:00:26 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Supreme Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit detailing measures taken to prevent worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court expressed concern over non-functional air quality monitoring stations during Deepavali and emphasized the need for proactive, rather than reactive, steps. The CAQM counsel cited the Central Pollution Control Board’s responsibility for monitoring data, while the Additional Solicitor General assured the court a report would be filed. The court also reminded all that the permission to use green crackers was on a test basis for a specific period.
News Article:
Delhi Air Pollution: Supreme Court Demands Action Plan Amid Monitoring Station Failures
New Delhi, November 3, 2025 – The Supreme Court today directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to present a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken to combat worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The order comes amid concerns over the functionality of air quality monitoring stations and the need for proactive measures to prevent severe pollution levels.
During the hearing of the M.C. Mehta case, a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai expressed concern over reports that many of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations were not operating during the Deepavali festival. Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh highlighted that, on Deepavali, only nine out of 37 monitoring stations were continuously functioning. This raised questions about the ability to effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for pollution control.
“There are newspapers after newspapers saying that monitoring stations are non-functional. If the monitoring stations are not even functioning, we don’t even know when to implement GRAP,” Singh stated.
The court emphasized that CAQM must prioritize preventative measures and provide clear data and a comprehensive action plan. The CAQM counsel deferred to the Central Pollution Control Board for data monitoring, but Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the court that the required report would be submitted promptly.
The bench also recalled its October 15 ruling, which permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers during Deepavali on a trial basis, emphasizing that the relaxation was temporary and subject to specific time restrictions.
The court has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board, along with state boards, to monitor the air quality index from October 14 to 25, and submit a report.
First Piper 