‘TV debates causing more pollution’: CJI raps media during hearing on Delhi’s air pollution

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 17, 2021: Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana has expressed the Supreme Court’s angst over TV debates for "putting statements out of context on air". Justice Ramana said debates on TV created “more pollution than anybody else”. He said even minor observations by the courts were being turned into controversial issues.

 

Justice Ramana made the remarks during a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a student in connection with Delhi’s air pollution. He said, “You want to use some issue, make us observe and then make it controversial and then only blame game will remain. Debates on TV are creating more pollution than everyone else.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had raised the issue of TV debates saying that he was accused of misleading the Supreme Court over the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi’s air pollution. The CJI responded saying, "We are not being misled."

The comments follow the Supreme Court’s displeasure over stubble burning by farmers being blamed for Delhi’s air pollution while prominent voices came out in support of cracker bursting during Diwali recently.

Justice Surya Kant of the CJI-headed bench said, “What we are seeing is that irrespective of this percentage, the plight of the farmer. Nobody has examined under what circumstances they are forced to do this [stubble burning].”

He said, “People sitting in 5-star, 7-star facilities keep accusing farmers [for causing air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas]. What is the landholding of the farmers? Can they afford it [adopting alternative methods to clean their fields]?”

“If you have some scientific process, then go and tell them,” he said.

Responding to the judge’s remarks, senior counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government said, “Your lordship is right.”

CJI Ramana then said that firecrackers were not a major factor in Delhi’s air pollution, but a temporary phase according to a study conducted by IIT Kanpur. The findings of the study were submitted to the court by the Delhi government.

Justice Ramana said, “I’m using my mobile to see the online IIT Kanpur study that you filed[It] has said firecrackers are not a factor. They are also a temporary phase, we agree. But can you see in the last 15 days despite the ban, how many firecrackers have been burnt?”

“Every year in October-November, when Delhi is choked, the Supreme Court is forced to take up the issue. What is the government doing? Centre is here, state is here,” said Justice Surya Kant adding, “The house is on fire.”

Mehta said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR had issued directions to improve air quality in the region.

Courtesy:India Today