'Had breathing problems after walking for 55 minutes': CJI Surya Kant weighs in on how Delhi pollution is adversely affecting health

CJI Surya Kant

Chief Justice Surya Kant on Wednesday shared his personal experience of dealing with the toxic air that has been engulfing the Delhi-NCR region since the past few months and said that even walking made him feel sick.

According to a report by Live Law, he said, "The only exercise I do is walking. But even that is difficult now. Yesterday I walked for 55 minutes, and till morning I had problems."

The CJI's comments came after senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi asked to not be present during the SIR hearing, citing health concerns. CJI Kant asked him if his problems were linked to Delhi pollution, to which the advocate agreed.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal also agreed with the CJI and said that he has stopped going for walks altogether due to the rising pollution. "To breathe this obnoxious air, at our age…” Sibal remarked.

Dwivedi also requested the CJI to allow the shifting of hearings to a virtual mode. “If at all such a decision is taken, I would like to take the Bar into confidence. If something is to be done, if the Bar thinks so, it should be a uniform rule. Keeping everything in mind, if the Bar Association makes a proposal, we will be open to considering it. In the evening, I am meeting the office bearers at the Constitution Day function. I will convey your suggestions,” the CJI said.