'Pollution getting out of control': Kabil Sibal, Tushar Mehta seek virtual court proceedings in Delhi NCR – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches hazardous levels, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Supreme Court Bar Association president Kapil Sibal on Monday urged Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to transition all courts in the region to a complete virtual mode.
The request comes in response to the enforcement of Stage-IV (Severe+) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), triggered by the alarming air quality.
Highlighting the worsening air pollution, Sibal told the CJI-led bench, “pollution getting out of control.”
Responding to the concerns, CJI Khanna pointed out that the judiciary is mindful of the situation. “We have asked all judges to allow virtual hearings wherever possible,” he assured, adding that no case would be dismissed due to lawyers’ absence from physical courtrooms. Despite repeated requests for a complete switch to virtual hearings, the CJI stated that courts would continue functioning in a hybrid mode for the time being.

Stage-IV GRAP measures enforced to combat serve pollution

The Supreme Court discussion comes as Delhi-NCR enforces Stage-IV (Severe+) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), following an announcement by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday. The measures took effect at 8am on Monday, November 18, in response to critical air quality levels and the approaching winter season, which exacerbates pollution.

Key restrictions under Stage-IV

1. Education
Delhi CM Atishi announced the suspension of physical classes for all students, except those in Classes 10 and 12, directing schools to transition to online lessons until further notice. The Delhi government had also advised shifting students in Grades VI to IX and XI to online learning. However, later, physical classes for Classes 10 and 12 were also moved to the online mode.
2. Workforce management
Authorities are urging public, municipal, and private offices to implement a 50% work-from-home policy, with the remaining workforce operating remotely.
3. Vehicle restrictions
Only trucks carrying essential goods or using clean fuel (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric) are permitted entry into Delhi.
Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, excluding EVs and CNG or BS-VI diesel vehicles, are prohibited.