As the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi AQI over severe to hazardous mark, the Supreme Court registry on Sunday issued a circular advising lawyers and litigants to avail the video conference (VC) mode of hearing, if convenient, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
The circular dated December 14 said that advocates and litigants may appear through VC in matters listed before the Supreme Court. The circular issued by the Apex Court administration said, “In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the Chief Justice of India has advised, if convenient, the members of the Bar/parties-in-person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through videoconferencing facility in their matters listed before the courts”.
The advisory was issued under the directions of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and is aimed at ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of court proceedings without causing inconvenience to lawyers, litigants, or other stakeholders.The registry has requested lawyers and parties in person to make appropriate use of the hybrid or video conferencing facility in their respective cases, while complying with all technical and procedural requirements prescribed for virtual hearings.
The advisory has also been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association and other authorities.Meanwhile, amid severe pollution levels in the city, the Delhi High Court on Monday (December 15, 2025) advised lawyers and parties-in-person to avail hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing in their matters listed before it.
Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Monday (December 15, 2025), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, which falls in the higher spectrum of 'severe' category.A circular issued by the registrar general of the High Court said, “in view of the prevailing weather conditions, I have been directed to convey that if convenient, members of the bar/parties-in-person may avail hybrid mode of appearance through video conferencing facility in their matters listed before the hon’ble courts”.
Presently, the High Court functions through a hybrid mode where proceedings are conducted through both physical and virtual modes.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi climbed to 461 on Sunday, marking the city’s most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the surface.Health experts have warned of serious public health risks due to prolonged exposure to hazardous air.
On November 13, apex court judge Justice P S Narasimha advised lawyers to appear virtually instead of attending court in person, citing the hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Follow us
