Supreme Court Grants CAQM Authority for Proactive Air Pollution Measures in Delhi-NCR

Supreme Court Backs CAQM on Air Pollution Control

In a significant move to address the persistent air pollution crisis in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, granted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) a free hand to implement any proactive measures deemed necessary. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran affirmed that 'Any proactive measure of CAQM to reduce air pollution is always welcome,' while emphasizing the need for stakeholder consultation in decision-making.

Enhanced Powers and Proposed Measures

The Supreme Court's directive came in response to proposals submitted by the CAQM, which outlined both short-term and long-term strategies to curb pollution. Key among these is a revision of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aiming to trigger stricter restrictions at earlier stages of pollution. For instance, measures previously reserved for GRAP Stage IV (when the Air Quality Index exceeds 450) could now be applied during GRAP Stage III (AQI 401-450). Similarly, Stage III measures would apply at Stage II, and Stage II directives at Stage I.

Specific proactive measures proposed by the CAQM include:

• Introducing work-from-home options and 50% office attendance for public, municipal, and private offices during GRAP Stage III.
• Implementing staggered office timings for public offices when GRAP Stage II is invoked.
• Directing schools in Delhi-NCR to consider postponing outdoor sports competitions scheduled for November and December to 'safer months' with improved air quality.
• Framing directions to exclude BS-III vehicles from certain exemptions.
• Proposing stronger Electric Vehicle (EV) policies and higher environmental protection charges on luxury diesel vehicles.
• Advocating for a ban on new coal plants near Delhi, faster legacy-waste clearance, and better debris management.

CAQM's Role and Court's Continued Oversight

The CAQM, established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, is a statutory body tasked with coordinating, researching, and resolving air quality issues across Delhi-NCR and its adjoining states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It possesses overarching powers to issue binding directions to state governments and various entities to enforce pollution control measures.

Beyond empowering the CAQM, the Supreme Court also issued additional directives. It ordered the immediate filling of vacancies in pollution control boards and mandated steps to provide subsistence allowances to daily-wage laborers affected by existing GRAP III restrictions. The Court underscored the necessity of regular monitoring of air pollution, scheduling the next hearing for December 10 and stating that the matter would be heard on a monthly basis to track the implementation of measures.