New Delhi, November 17, 2025 — The Supreme Court will on Monday hear a crucial plea concerning stubble burning, a recurring issue that continues to push air quality in Delhi-NCR to hazardous levels. The matter comes up at a time when pollution has sharply escalated across the region.
A Bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, along with Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria, had earlier directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit detailed reports on measures taken to curb farm fires. The court agreed to schedule the hearing for November 17, emphasising the urgent need for accountability.
On November 3, the Bench had also instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file an affidavit outlining steps implemented so far to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the national capital region. The court stressed that authorities must act before pollution reaches extreme levels rather than waiting for conditions to become “severe.”
During the last hearing, amicus curiae Aparajita Singh flagged serious concerns about malfunctioning monitoring stations in Delhi during the Diwali period. She pointed out that only nine of the 37 stations were working continuously, making it difficult to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effectively.
She urged the Bench to ensure that CAQM submits accurate data along with a clear strategy. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the court that the necessary report would be filed.
Last month, the Supreme Court permitted the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali under strict conditions. The court allowed the relaxation as a “test case” and limited their use to specified hours on the festival day and the day before, while allowing sales only between October 18 and 20. The order was framed to strike a balance between festive traditions and public health concerns.
As the court prepares to review the latest plea, stubble burning remains a key factor behind dangerous pollution spikes in Delhi-NCR. The hearing is expected to provide clarity on enforcement gaps and the next steps required to address the region’s annual air quality crisis.
