'Delhi air hazardous': SC judge asks lawyers to appear in virtual mode

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court judge Justice P S Narasimha on Thursday advised lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court in person, citing the hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR. Justice Narasimha, sitting on the bench alongside Justice Atul S Chandurkar, made the observation during the mentioning of cases.When senior advocate Kapil Sibal remarked that several lawyers were already wearing masks in court, Justice Narasimha said masks alone may not be adequate protection, warning that "the toxic air can cause permanent damage".

"The situation is very, very serious. Why're you all appearing here?" the judge asked lawyers. "We've virtual hearing facility. Please avail it."The judge added that he would discuss the issue with CJI Gavai to explore what further steps the court could take to mitigate the problem. Agencies