Supreme Court Warns of “Permanent Damage” as Delhi Pollution Reaches Dangerous Levels

New Delhi, Nov 13, 2025: Delhi’s air pollution has reached alarming levels, prompting the Supreme Court to issue a stern warning about the potential long-term health risks. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring well above 400 in several parts of the city, the court said that masks alone may not be enough to protect residents from lasting damage. The bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice A.S. Chandurkar raised concerns during court proceedings, questioning why lawyers were attending hearings in person despite the availability of virtual facilities. “Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please use it. This pollution… it will cause permanent damage,” Justice Narasimha said. Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, present in court, responded that he was wearing a mask, to which the bench replied, “Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. We will discuss this with the Chief Justice as well.” Authorities have implemented the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) to control polluting activities. The measures include a ban on most non-essential construction and demolition, restrictions on older vehicles using BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel, and online classes for students up to Class 5. The Supreme Court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit a status report on actions taken to prevent stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s worsening air quality during this season. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae, previously highlighted discrepancies in the official AQI data, urging authorities to ensure accurate monitoring. As Delhi grapples with toxic air, the court emphasized that immediate precautions, strict enforcement of GRAP measures, and active intervention from neighboring states are crucial. The matter is scheduled to be reviewed again on Monday to assess progress and evaluate whether additional steps are needed to protect public health. Supreme Court Warns of “Permanent Damage” as Delhi Pollution Reaches Dangerous Levels Delhi’s air quality has worsened drastically, prompting the Supreme Court to issue a strong warning about the serious health risks facing residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city has crossed 400 in several areas, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. The court highlighted that masks alone may not be enough to protect people from long-term damage. The bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice A.S. Chandurkar questioned lawyers attending hearings in person, urging them to use the virtual facility. “This pollution… it will cause permanent damage,” the court said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said he was using a mask, but the court stressed that additional measures were needed. Authorities have enforced the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III), banning non-essential construction and demolition, restricting older petrol and diesel vehicles, and shifting students up to Class 5 to online classes. The Punjab and Haryana governments have also been asked to report on steps taken to prevent stubble burning, a key contributor to the city’s pollution. The Supreme Court will review the situation again on Monday to ensure stricter measures are being implemented. Residents are urged to take all precautions and limit outdoor exposure as the city faces one of its worst air quality crises in recent years.