“Take Out Bicycles, Stop Using Cars,” Supreme Court Remarks On Delhi Air Pollution

Our country’s capital city New Delhi has often been in the news for its deteriorating air quality. Earlier this year, Delhi even got its very first smog tower in Lajpat Nagar to combat pollution.

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As per a report in TOI, while hearing the matter of air pollution caused in New Delhi due to stubble burning in the neighboring states, the Supreme Court remarked to lawyers that it is time to take out bicycles and stop using cars. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde observed, “We would like you to stop using your beautiful cars. Which you won’t. We should all go about on bikes – not motorbikes but bicycles.”

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The bench headed by the CJI, comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, further added, “Some experts told us informally that air pollution is not only caused due to stubble burning, but there are many other causes too. You lawyers will also have to get down from your big, beautiful cars and ride cycles. Not motorcycles, bicycles.”

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Deccan Herald reports that petitioners had raised the issue of stubble burning in Delhi’s neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The PIL was filed by environmental activist M C Mehta and a class XII student named Aditya Dubey.

In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the Centre has come out with an Ordinance on curbing pollution and that it has been already promulgated. The bench in-turn responded To Mehta in a lighter vein, “If any of the parties here fall sick because of air pollution till next date then you are solely responsible.” The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on November 6, 2020.

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What do you think of this interaction between the CJI bench and the lawyers who are often known for commuting in high-end cars? Tell us!

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