Amidst deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Justice P.S. Narasimha of the Supreme Court on Thursday advised members of the legal fraternity to opt for virtual hearings instead of physical appearances in court.

The observation came during the mentioning hour, when the courtroom saw several advocates raising matters before the Bench. Taking note of the hazardous air pollution levels, Justice Narasimha remarked that lawyers should prioritize their health and make full use of the virtual hearing facilities provided by the Court.

During the exchange, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that many lawyers were already compelled to wear masks inside the courtroom due to the choking air. Responding, Justice Narasimha cautioned that masks alone may not offer adequate protection, warning that continued exposure to Delhi’s toxic air could cause permanent health damage.

The advisory reflects growing concern across institutions as Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the ‘severe’ category, prompting repeated public health warnings and calls for minimizing outdoor activity.