January 22, 2026
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi government, the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC), and authorities of the National Capital Region (NCR) states to submit their respective action plans for implementing the long-term measures recommended by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to address the persistent air pollution crisis in the region, particularly in the national capital.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi made it clear that the Court would not entertain any objections to the recommendations of the CAQM and that the focus must now be on their effective implementation.
Appearing for the CAQM, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Court that the Commission had finalised detailed long-term measures. These include the phasing out of polluting vehicles, strengthening the Pollution Under Control (PUC) regime, expansion of the rail and metro networks, revision of the electric vehicle policy, and enhanced incentives for scrapping old vehicles.
Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the Court as amicus curiae, emphasised the need for definite timelines for enforcing the CAQM’s recommendations.
Noting that measures in addition to those recommended by the CAQM may also be required, the Court observed, “The Commission has recommended 15 long-term measures. The CAQM has also identified the agencies that are competent to implement these measures.”
Emphasising that implementation of the CAQM’s recommendations could not be delayed, the Court said, “There can be no doubt that these long-term measures recommended by the CAQM are required to be given effect to without delay. We, therefore, call upon the stakeholders to submit their respective action plans to give effect to these measures. This Court is not inclined to entertain any objections with respect to these measures.”
The Court further took note of CAQM’s deliberations on congestion at Delhi’s border toll points and its recommendations for the adoption of advanced technology to improve air quality. In this context, the Bench specifically directed the Delhi Municipal Corporation to explain why these recommendations should not be implemented without delay. “We direct the concerned agencies, particularly the DMC, to submit reasons as to why these directions should not be implemented without any delay,” the Court said.
Reiterating that it would not entertain objections to the CAQM’s recommendations, the Court observed in its order, “Again, we make it clear that we will not hear any objections against the recommendations made by the Commission. All that the DMC and other agencies of the national capital, including agencies of neighbouring states, are required to do is to submit their action plans along with timelines for compliance.”
The Bench also focused on the utilisation of the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) fund. It directed the CAQM to place a separate proposal for a suitable revision of the ECC and asked the Delhi government to submit a concrete plan for the effective utilisation of the fund.
“As regards the ECC fund, the CAQM may submit a separate proposal for a suitable revision. The Delhi government is directed to submit a plan for the utilisation of the ECC funds for the purpose of giving effect to the long-term measures or interim recommendations made by the CAQM,” the Court said.
During a previous hearing on January 6, 2026, the Supreme Court had strongly criticised the CAQM for dragging its feet on the Delhi air pollution crisis. It had pulled up the statutory body for delays in identifying the causes behind the worsening air quality in Delhi and the NCR and for failing to come forward with timely measures to curb pollution. The Court had directed the Commission to act with urgency instead of seeking more time to identify the primary causes of unabated pollution.
The matter has been listed for further hearing after four weeks.