Supreme Court warns of worsening Delhi air quality after Diwali
Justices noted that pollution levels are expected to rise sharply after Diwali and emphasized that judges must attend court in person despite the health risks.
The Supreme Court said on Wednesday that Delhi’s air quality is likely to deteriorate sharply after Diwali, and that judges cannot avoid the city’s polluted air by staying at home. The comment came while the Court was scheduling a hearing; senior counsel Indira Jaising asked for a post-vacation date of November 16, while the respondent’s counsel sought an early-November slot.
Justice Vikram Nath observed that the environment is cleaner before the festival but becomes "very bad" afterwards. He added that judges do not have the privilege of working remotely, unlike some advocates, and must appear in person despite the health hazards.
Air-quality data from the previous year show the 24-hour average AQI rose from the high 260s in mid-October to over 350 on Diwali, remaining in the "very poor" category for several days. This year’s Diwali falls on November 8. The Commission for Air Quality Management activated Stage I of its Graded Response Action Plan on October 21 after AQI readings reached the low 240s.
The Court continues to monitor Delhi-NCR pollution and has previously issued directives on vehicular emissions, industrial output, stubble burning, waste fires and firecracker use. While earlier benches imposed a year-round firecracker ban and rejected exemptions for "green" crackers, a later bench in October 2025 allowed limited use of approved green crackers around Diwali under strict conditions. A recent bench in September 2025 ruled out a total ban but also rejected unrestricted use, permitting certain joint firecrackers pending further testing.