SC rejects year-long construction ban to tackle Delhi-NCR pollution
17 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court ruled against a year-long construction ban in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to improve air quality on Monday.

The court said such an order would have far-reaching consequences and affect millions of livelihoods.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued that the situation was an "emergency" with alarming levels of air pollution causing irreversible health damage, especially to children.

He mentioned reports that said three in 10 deaths in the NCR are caused by air pollution.

Court seeks long-term solutions for Delhi-NCR pollution
Sustainable measures

However, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria rejected a total ban on constructions.

The CJI asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhatti, appearing for the Union, to consult the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and Delhi's Chief Secretary for long-term solutions.

He emphasized that suggestions should be sustainable and not temporary fixes.

Advocates propose online courts, carpooling to reduce pollution
Alternative proposals

The ASG agreed with the SC bench, pointing out that a total ban on construction would impact daily wage workers from neighboring states.

"It's not just one side, everybody is getting affected by this," she said.

Sankarnarayanan then said that "sacrifices will have to be made by everybody" and emphasized the importance of carpooling and imposing a tax on car use in the current situation.

Advocates call for stricter measures
Pollution control

Sankaranarayanan also suggested moving courts online as a temporary measure to reduce pollution.

He argued that the current air pollution thresholds in India are too lenient compared to World Health Organization standards.

He said once PM 2.5 particles enter the lungs, the damage is irreversible, and called for triggering GRAP measures at lower AQI thresholds.

The court had earlier asked Punjab and Haryana to report on steps taken against stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi-NCR's air pollution crisis.