Read Time: 06 minutes

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta today clarified that the colours of political parties do not matter in tackling the issue of air pollution in Delhi and that it is a joint exercise undertaken by the Central Government, Delhi Government and Governments of the States of Punjab and Haryana.

A special bench of Supreme Court consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V.Ramana, Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant today heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a 17 year old college student Aditya Dubey regarding alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. The case was listed today in view of an application filed by the petitioners asking the court to pass appropriate orders in the light of excessive levels of air pollution in Delhi at present.

Even before the hearing of the case could begin, the bench clarified that they were not concerned with lengthy affidavits or arguments and are only concerned with the steps being taken to immediately curb pollution in Delhi NCR.

The SG, appearing for the government, informed the court that stubble burning is the first problem that is to be addressed to curb the pollution. He also explained to the court about the measures being taken by the government to curb this while sharing the screen.

The CJI said “Your projection is that the farmers are causing this. Where is the mechanism to control this? The question is how to control the situation in 2 days?” The SG at this point clarified that he did not mean to say that the farmers were causing and said “ Your lordship knows the potential of this statement. Please do not take it that any government is not doing anything.” At this point, the CJI also clarified that he was not trying to say that the government is pointing fingers at the farmers and that he knows that the government is saying its a common responsibility.

Later during the hearing, the CJI told the SG that he took very serious objection to something he did not mean. The SG clarified that he did not take any objection to what was said. The CJI said that while the issue of air pollution is definitely beyond which government is in power, the Centre can impose some threats on the governments if they cannot stop stubble burning.

Ending on a lighter note:

However since the matter was adjourned to Monday, the CJI told the SG that he studied English only in Class 8 and that as the SG of the country Mr.Mehta knows how to articulate. The SG also said “Milords, I studied English only in 8th Standard myself. I studied graduation also in the vernacular language, the medium of instruction was English only when I studied law.” The CJI said it was the case with him as well.

Before the SG said “ I never knew the similarity between the Chief Justice of the County and me. I am very proud of it!”

The matter will now be heard on 15th November.

Case title: Vikram Dubey Vs Union of India