Judiciary has no 'magic wand' to fix Delhi-NCR's pollution: CJI Surya Kant

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday remarked that the judiciary cannot be expected to deliver miraculous solutions to Delhi-NCR's hazardous air quality.

After senior advocate Aparajita Singh, the amicus curiae assisting the top court, mentioned the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning air-pollution control in the national Capital, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant remarked: "What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? I know this is hazardous for Delhi-NCR. Tell me, what can we direct so that there is clean air immediately?"

Even as the CJI cautioned against the belief that the top court's directions alone could "clean the air immediately", he agreed to list the long-pending MC Mehta matter on December 1.

Acknowledging the amicus' submission about an "alarming situation" in Delhi-NCR, CJI Kant said the factors behind Delhi's poor air quality were several in number.

"We all know the problem. We need to identify all the reasons. There is no one single reason; it would be a mistake to think so," the CJI remarked, adding that "only domain experts and scientists" could offer a comprehensive assessment of the sources of pollution and region-specific solutions.

CJI Kant also flagged the pattern of the issue of severe pollution levels being revived only during peak winter months. "This matter is listed in a ceremonial way during the Diwali season. After winters, it disappears. Let us have regular monitoring," the CJI said, assuring that the apex court would now take up the matter "on a continuous basis".

"List this on Monday (December 1), and let us see what we can do," he added. (IANS)

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