It’s time to take out bicycles, stop using 'beautiful' cars: Supreme Court on Delhi air pollution

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that some experts have informed that stubble burning is not the only source of pollution

Supreme Court on Thursday asked lawyers, known to commute in high-end cars, to start using bicycles to curb air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas.

Chief Justice S A Bobde, presiding over a bench, observed that some experts have informed us informally that it is not only stubble burning that created pollution.

“All of you should also stop using the big and beautiful cars. All of you start using bicycles now,” he told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Vikas Singh.

The top court decided to examine an Ordinance issued by the Union government to set up a permanent commission to tackle air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas.

The court posted a couple of matters related to PIL by environmental activist M C Mehta and a minor, Aditya Dubey, for consideration next Friday.

"We would like to look at Ordinance before passing any order. Even the petitioners would like to see. Let's hear it next Friday," the bench said.

The petitioners raised the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Singh, appearing for Dubey, cautioned that the situation would get worse by next week.

"We will hear all parties and look at the points made by you. This is not an adversarial litigation," the bench said.

In a lighter vein, the CJI told Mehta, "If any of the parties here fall sick because of air pollution till next date then you are solely responsible."

Mehta was quick to acknowledge, saying, "What falls from you is mandamus".