CJI Surya Kant On Air Pollution: The Supreme Court has once again taken a tough stance on a case related to the serious problem of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Chief Justice of the country (CJI) Surya Kant made an important and sensitive comment during this time and said that the problem of pollution is created by rich people, but the poor and the working class have to bear the brunt of it. He described this situation as an issue of ‘Environmental Justice’.
Governments are not following the instructions
Amicus Curiae Aparajita Sinha told the court that state governments do not fully implement the court’s instructions unless the court shows strictness. He gave the example of some schools continuing their sports programs despite extreme pollution, which shows that despite rules and regulations being in place, they are not being followed on the ground.
CJI Surya Kant agreed to this, but also clarified that the court will now pass only those orders which can actually be implemented. He said that orders cannot be given ignoring the livelihood and lifestyle of millions of people. For example, it is not practical to suddenly stop all vehicles or impose a complete ban on construction work.
Convenience of the rich, helplessness of the poor
CJI said that the rich class is not ready to change their lifestyle. They use ACs, drive big vehicles, which increase pollution. But when the air is poisonous, its worst effect falls on the poor laborers who work in the open. These people can neither install air purifiers inside the house nor buy expensive N95 masks.
The CJI appealed to all the parties that instead of giving their suggestions in the media, considering the seriousness of the matter, they should send their suggestions directly to the Amicus Curiae. This serious matter will now come up for hearing before a bench of three judges on Wednesday, where effective measures to stop pollution will be considered.
