Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday expressed concern over Delhi’s hazardous air pollution, stating that the deteriorating air quality has made outdoor activities, including walking, extremely difficult. He shared that a 55-minute walk the previous day left him with significant discomfort.

The remark came during a hearing when Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi sought exemption from physical appearance due to health issues. On being asked whether it was related to Delhi’s weather, Dwivedi confirmed the connection.

“The only physical exercise I get is walking, but even that has become tough now. After my walk yesterday, I continued to feel unwell till this morning,” the CJI said.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal echoed the concern, mentioning that he too has stopped taking walks. “To breathe such harmful air, especially at our age…” he commented. Dwivedi also pointed out that his health troubles started after his walk. When the CJI suggested walking in the evening, Sibal warned that the Air Quality Index remains around 300–350 even then.

Dwivedi urged the Court to shift proceedings to a virtual system until the situation improves. Sibal supported the request, noting that a similar plea had earlier been placed before former CJI B.R. Gavai.

CJI Surya Kant responded that he would take the matter into consideration, but first consult the Bar before any decision is made. “If such a measure is to be adopted, it must be done in consultation with the Bar Association and applied uniformly. I will convey the suggestions during my interaction with Bar officials at the Constitution Day event this evening,” he said.

Dwivedi further proposed that at least advocates over 60 years of age should be allowed to appear virtually until the pollution crisis eases.

Notably, Justice P.S. Narasimha had recently advised lawyers to prefer virtual appearances in response to Delhi’s worsening AQI levels.