Rich people pollute, poor suffer the most from it : CJI Suryakant

Chief Justice Suryakant’s remarks on air pollution in the country 

Chief Justice Suryakant (in the circle)

New Delhi – The poor are the worst affected by air pollution, while the rich are mainly involved in activities that cause pollution, observed the Supreme Court Chief Justice Suryakant. He made this observation during the hearing of a petition filed regarding air pollution in Delhi.

Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh strongly criticized the stand of the State Governments. She said that unless the Court passes a strict and actionable order, the State  Governments do not take effective steps to control air pollution. Outdoor sports activities are going on in some schools despite the hazardous pollution levels. This shows that although rules and guidelines exist for controlling air pollution, they are not being strictly implemented. Last month, the Supreme Court had directed to impose restrictions on outdoor sports during December-January. Still, sports competitions and programmes are being organized in various areas.

Some instructions have to be implemented by force : CJI

To this, Chief Justice Suryakant said that the Court is fully aware of this problem and only effective and enforceable orders will be passed. There are some directions which have to be implemented by force; but changing the lifestyle of people in metropolitan cities is not easy.