The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) today, November 17, 2025, regarding the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The hearing gains importance as stubble burning, combined with stagnant weather, continues to push the air quality into the "severe" category.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria will preside over the matter. In the previous hearing held on November 12, the bench, led by CJI Gavai, voiced concerns about the deteriorating air quality, despite the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The governments of Punjab and Haryana were directed to submit detailed affidavits outlining the measures taken to curb stubble burning. The Court took note of submissions highlighting that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had crossed 450 at several locations in Delhi-NCR.
The court will also examine claims that farmers are strategically timing the burning of crop residue to evade satellite surveillance. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the Supreme Court as amicus curiae, brought to the court's attention that farmers are allegedly waiting for surveillance satellites to pass before setting fire to the stalks. Singh presented photographs and data, gathered from a NASA scientist's online posts, which indicated that stubble burning has not decreased. She also referenced media reports where farmers admitted on camera that the state administration had shared satellite timings with them.
The Supreme Court had previously asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to provide a report on its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. The court had also suggested that the central government consider strict penalties, including arrests, to deter farmers from burning crop residue. In September, the court even suggested a return to criminal prosecution of farmers who are repeat offenders, and considered a separate legislation. The Centre, however, has maintained that its policy is to take farmers along through cooperation rather than through punitive measures.
Several advocates, including amicus curiae Aparajita Singh and senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, have urged the court to direct the CAQM to upgrade anti-pollution restrictions in Delhi-NCR from GRAP III to the stricter GRAP IV, which would involve a complete halt to construction and demolition activities. Sankaranarayanan pointed out that construction activities were continuing despite the hazardous conditions. Singh also flagged discrepancies in official pollution data, warning that the situation had become "very dangerous". Another counsel raised concerns about the authenticity of data from air monitoring stations, alleging that false data was being uploaded.
Justice P. S. Narasimha has encouraged advocates to opt for virtual hearings instead of physical appearances in court proceedings, warning that Delhi's toxic air could cause “permanent damage”.
