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Delhi Courts Offer Hybrid Hearings as Air Quality Turns 'Severe' and SC Fast-Tracks Pollution PIL

Stage-IV GRAP curbs prompted advisories offering optional video appearances without suspending physical hearings.

Overview

  • The Delhi High Court issued a circular allowing advocates and parties to appear via video conferencing at their discretion, citing adverse conditions.
  • The Supreme Court Registry, acting on Chief Justice Surya Kant’s directions, advised lawyers and litigants to use virtual appearances where convenient.
  • Delhi’s AQI reached about 457 with pockets near 500 as dense smog persisted, and the CAQM enforced Stage‑IV curbs under the GRAP across the NCR.
  • The Supreme Court agreed to urgently hear a plea on pollution control and scheduled the matter for December 17 after it was mentioned in court.
  • Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh told the bench that some schools were bypassing earlier directions against holding open sports activities in November and December.