Delhi Air Pollution : CJI Advises Lawyers To Avail Hybrid Hearings Due To Adverse Weather Conditions

The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, has advised Members of the Bar and Parties-in-Person to consider availing the hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing for matters listed before the Court, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

The Registry has issued a circular to this effect. The Registry stated that the option of appearing through video conferencing may be exercised wherever it is convenient for the parties concerned.

The circular further requests Members of the Bar and Parties-in-Person to make appropriate use of the hybrid or virtual hearing facility, while ensuring compliance with all technical and procedural requirements prescribed for online appearances.

"In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the Members of the Bar/Parties-in-Person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing facility in their matters listed before the Hon'ble Courts," the Circular read.

The advisory has also been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, and all other concerned authorities for information and necessary action.

It may be noted that the air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region plummeted to alarming levels over the weekend, with some reports that the Air Quality Index has crossed 450 after a thick smog covered the city.

Recently, CJI Surya Kant had expressed concerns about the air quality crisis in the national capital. He had shared during a hearing that due to the air pollution, he had avoided taking morning walks. After many senior members of the bar expressed the need for virtual hearings, CJI had said that he would consider it.