'Find Reasons First, Then Solution': Supreme Court On Delhi Air Pollution

Last Updated:January 06, 2026, 14:56 IST

The Supreme Court stressed that expert bodies must first clearly identify and publicly disclose the reasons for Delhi’s air pollution before proposing solutions.

New Delhi: The India Gate shrouded in a layer of smog (Photo: PTI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday underlined that identifying the precise reasons behind Delhi’s air pollution must precede any discussion on solutions, as the court resumed hearing matters related to the capital’s worsening air quality.

Emphasising that it does not intend to step into the role of technical experts, the court said its primary role was to provide a platform for informed deliberations based on expert assessment and public transparency.

Leading the bench, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant repeatedly asked whether expert bodies had been able to clearly identify the causes of pollution.

“As an expert body, have you been able to find the causes is the first question. Finding solutions would be a second stage," the CJI observed, stressing that unless reasons are clearly established, remedial measures would remain fragmented and ineffective.

Referring to submissions by the amicus curiae, the court noted that a report had been filed suggesting certain measures, some of which could be addressed immediately, while most required long-term planning.

“The amicus has given a note with some suggestions. Some of them can be addressed instantly, but most are long-term," the court recorded, seeking a response from the Centre on the way forward.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the government could file a status report on the issues flagged.

She also informed the court that responses had already been filed on two issues flagged earlier by the court, including the ECC toll issue, while seeking time on both.

However, the CJI cautioned against broad generalisations.

“It’s easy to say issues are correlated and there are competing claims," he said, adding that the first responsibility of an expert body is to identify causes and reasons.

He pointed to construction activity in the NCR as one possible contributor, while acknowledging competing needs.

“There is a dire need for housing, so construction will go on. But if construction is causing a problem, what will be done?" the CJI asked, adding that expert bodies must identify reasons along with an estimated idea of maximum contributors.

The court stressed that these reasons must be placed in the public domain.

“People will at least know that, as per the expert body, these are the reasons," the CJI said, suggesting that public suggestions could then be invited.

Questioning the functioning of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the court remarked that if the body chose to act after two months, “that is like it’s failing in its duty."

The bench also flagged the issue of vehicular pollution, with the CJI noting, “As I am speaking, vehicular pollution is now contributing to 40 per cent."

At the same time, the court cautioned against simplistic solutions.

“It’s easy to say buses and trucks cause pollution. If buses are stopped, how will the common man travel?" the court asked, reiterating that any curbs must be accompanied by equally strong alternatives.

The court further observed that “somehow the entire blame falls on farmers," recalling that during the pandemic period, there was maximum stubble burning, yet Delhi residents saw blue skies.

The observation was made to highlight the need for a holistic assessment rather than selective attribution of blame.

Reiterating its stance, the bench said, “We won’t be super experts on the issue, but we will provide a platform for deliberations."

It directed that expert bodies identify reasons, estimate key contributors, place the findings in the public domain, and then outline how those reasons would be addressed.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain a concern.

According to a PTI report citing data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, the city’s average Air Quality Index stood at 293 on Tuesday morning, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.

Chandni Chowk recorded the worst air quality at 352, falling in the ‘very poor’ category.

Overall, 20 stations recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, 15 were in the ‘poor’ category, and two stations logged ‘moderate’ levels.

On Monday, the city’s 24-hour average AQI was 244, also in the ‘poor’ category.

The Air Quality Early Warning System has indicated that Delhi’s air is likely to remain in the poor to very poor range over the next six days.

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