CJI advises lawyers to avail hybrid mode of appearance due to prevailing weather conditions

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advised members of the Bar and parties to avail the hybrid mode of appearance through videoconferencing in the matters listed before the Supreme Court in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, members of the bar/parties to avail the hybrid mode of appearance through videoconferencing facility in their cases listed before the courts,” a circular issued by the apex court administration on Sunday (December 14) said.

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi peaked at 461 on December 14, the city’s most polluted day this winter and the second-worst air quality day in December on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the surface.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, between 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, between 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, between 201 and 300 ‘poor’, between 301 and 400 ‘very poor’ and between 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

Health experts have warned of serious public health risks from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

On November 26, the CJI considered the possibility of shifting the apex court hearings to only virtual mode due to severe air pollution, saying he felt unwell when he went for an hour-long walk the day before.

The CJI made these comments at the beginning of the hearing on petitions challenging the Election Commission’s decision to conduct special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and other states.

At present, the apex court functions through hybrid mode where proceedings are conducted both physically and virtually.

On November 13, apex court judge Justice PS Narasimha advised lawyers to appear in court virtually instead of in person, citing hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR.