'Dust Filling The Air': Advocate Flags Supreme Court Construction During Pollution Hearing, How Judge Reacted

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today heard plea over Delhi pollution as the top court pulled up the government and other authorities over construction activities, an advocate pointed out that construction activities were ongoing in the Supreme Court, right outside Court 11.Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan highlighted the issue when the Supreme Court was taking stock of the pollution levels from Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi government.A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih was asking officials about enforcement of construction bans aimed at curbing pollution, when Justice Oka asked, "What about the ban on construction and demolition? Is anyone verifying these sites? Who is monitoring this?"That’s when Sankarnarayanan said, "Construction is happening right here within the Supreme Court premises. Stones are being broken, and dust is filling the air."

He added that the newly inaugurated block was still under construction, causing visible dust pollution. The top court was hearing a petition seeking enforcement of measures to curb air pollution in the national capital.A shocked Justice Oka immediately instructed, "Flash a message requesting the Secretary General to appear in court. Just call him." Pollution Hearing In SCAmid rising pollution in the country, the Supreme Court on Monday directed Delhi and adjoining sttaes to take call on stopping physical classes till class 12. However, the decision is left to the state governments. Now, the governments can decide whether to go for online classes or continue with physical classes."All states should take an immediate call on stopping physical classes of all standards up to class 12," the Supreme Court said. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka ad Augustine George Masih, made these remarks while hearing the Delhi Pollution Case.

Supreme Court Slams Delhi GovernmentEarlier in the day, the bench slammed the Delhi Government for delay in implementing GRAP-3, GRAP-4 measures. The Supreme Court questioned the AAP government for delay in implementing GRAP-3 measures as air quality had become 'severe' on November 12 and implementation of GRAP-4 measures on November 18 as AQI crossed 450 on Sunday. "As per our earlier order pre-emptive steps should have been taken," the top court stated.The apex court directed the Delhi Government not to withdraw GRAP-4. "We will take end of board. Now, even if AQI comes down from 400, we will not allow you to withdraw GRAP-4. This is what we propose to order," the court said on Monday morning. "You shall not withdraw GRAP4 without the permission of the court, " it added.