Indian judicial intervention in environmental issues

The Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have taken various actions to address environmental violations and pollution across the country.

In Rajasthan, the Supreme Court threatened a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the state government regarding illegal mining and the regularization of leases along the Jojari-Luni-Bandi river system. The court criticized officials for negligence and discrepancies in river corridor data. Concurrently, the NGT ordered action against polluting industrial units in Bikaner, investigated illegal groundwater extraction in Jaipur, and reviewed pollution challenges regarding the Manasbal wetland in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing air quality, the Supreme Court has intensified its scrutiny of the deteriorating conditions in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). A bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant identified vehicle emissions and heavy traffic congestion as primary drivers of the rising Air Quality Index, which has reached levels near 400. The court noted the social inequity of the crisis, observing that the poor are the primary victims of pollution.

In recent developments, the Supreme Court directed the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to submit formal responses within two weeks regarding measures to curb pollution from old and non-compliant vehicles and adherence to Pollution Under Control (PUC) regulations. The court noted that while stubble burning has decreased, pollution from heavy commercial and private vehicles entering from neighboring states has become a critical issue. The bench also sought responses from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Police, while calling for the Commission for Air Quality Management to consider expert opinions on health impacts, particularly regarding children.