After Centre’s assurance, Supreme Court puts off call on Lokur Panel

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday put off defining contours of the Justice Madan Lokur committee after the government told the court that a law would be made soon to create a new authority to tackle the problem of air pollution. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told a SC bench led by CJI SA Bobde about the government’s plan to bring a new law.

Even if a new authority is created overnight, it would take time to implement measures to curb pollution, an immediate crisis in Delhi-National Capital Region that needs swift action. Air quality has reached hazardous levels amid stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab, Haryana and western UP.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae Vikas Singh tried to prevail upon the CJI to allow Justice Lokur to continue with his work to arrest stubble burning with the help of NCC and NSS volunteers. “This is a daily problem. Let it not be suspended,” said Singh. The CJI, however, said: “It’s our order. What is your problem?”


The government had opposed the move to appoint Justice Lokur, insisting that there was already another body, the Environment Pollution (Pollution and Control) Authority, dealing with the issue.