Masks not enough: SC's grim Delhi air warning

Supreme Court judge Justice PS Narasimha on Thursday sounded a grim warning over the worsening air quality in the national capital region (NCR), calling the situation "very serious" and urging lawyers to avoid physical appearances in court.

- Utkarsh Anand

Justices Narasimha, leading a bench that also comprised Justice Atul S Chandurkar, made the observation during the morning mentioning round, advising members of the Bar to use the virtual hearing facility instead of appearing in person given the alarming levels of pollution in Delhi.

"Situation is very, very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage," Justice Narasimha remarked from the bench.

When senior advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that many lawyers were already wearing masks, Justice Narasimha cautioned that such protection was inadequate.