Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant has publicly expressed his deep concern about the severe air pollution crisis gripping Delhi, stating that the toxic air has made it challenging for him to continue his daily walks. The senior judge made these poignant remarks during a court proceeding on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, highlighting how the environmental emergency is impacting the lives of even the country's top judicial authority.
A Personal Complaint from the Bench
Justice Surya Kant's comments came to light during a hearing at the Supreme Court, where the deteriorating air quality in the national capital was under discussion. The CJI did not mince words when describing his personal experience with the pollution, creating a powerful moment that resonated with millions of Delhi residents facing similar struggles.
The Chief Justice explicitly stated that the pollution situation has become so severe that it has disrupted his routine of going for walks, an activity crucial for maintaining health and well-being. This personal anecdote from one of India's most powerful officials underscores the widespread nature of the problem, affecting people across all strata of society.
The Broader Context of Delhi's Pollution Crisis
Justice Surya Kant's remarks come at a time when Delhi and surrounding regions have been experiencing consistently poor air quality for several weeks. The capital has been shrouded in a thick layer of smog, with air quality indices frequently entering the 'severe' and 'hazardous' categories that pose serious health risks to the population.
The pollution problem in Delhi is multifaceted, stemming from various sources including vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and seasonal agricultural burning in neighboring states. The period around late October to November typically marks the worst phase for Delhi's air quality, as weather conditions and crop residue burning combine to create a toxic atmospheric cocktail.
Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the health implications of prolonged exposure to such polluted air, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health conditions. The fact that even the Chief Justice of India finds it difficult to perform basic healthy activities like walking outdoors speaks volumes about the severity of the situation.
Judicial Attention on Environmental Issues
The Supreme Court of India has historically taken a proactive stance on environmental matters, and Justice Surya Kant's personal remarks signal continued judicial concern about the pollution crisis. The judiciary has often intervened to direct government action on environmental protection and pollution control measures.
During the hearing where the CJI made these comments, the court was likely addressing matters related to environmental protection or pollution control, given the context of his statement. The personal nature of his observation adds significant weight to the judicial proceedings and may influence future directions or judgments related to environmental governance.
This is not the first time that members of the judiciary have commented on Delhi's pollution problem. Previous benches have expressed frustration with the implementation of pollution control measures and have directed both central and state governments to take more effective action to protect citizens' right to clean air.
The involvement of the highest court in addressing this public health crisis highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts across different branches of government to find sustainable solutions. As Delhi continues to grapple with its annual pollution nightmare, remarks from influential figures like Chief Justice Surya Kant serve as important reminders of the human cost of environmental degradation and the urgent need for effective remediation measures.
