CJI mulls virtual-only hearings

Delhiites continue to gasp for breath as toxic air engulfs the national capital, exposing the utter failure of authorities to contain a crisis that now disrupts even the highest institu- tions such as the Supreme Court. When the Chief Justice of India and senior advocates struggle to appear in court due to hazard- ous pollution levels, it signals a breakdown both in public health and governance. Despite years of warnings, Delhi's Air Quality Index regularly plunges into the "very poor" or "severe" categories. When the top court has been forced to consider vir- tual-only hearings, it's not hard to imagine the inconveniences common man. The situation is no better elsewhere. In Angul district, unchecked mining, in- dustrial emissions, and rising vehicular traffic have pushed AQI levels far beyond safe lim- its for days on end. Piecemeal measures, delayed responses, and weak enforcement continue to endanger millions, while gov- ernments struggle, or hesitate, to implement lasting solutions

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while considering the possibility of shifting Supreme Court hearings to the virtual-only mode due to the severe air pollution, said he felt unwell when he went for an hour-long walk a day before.