On November 25, the Supreme Court of India criticized authorities for not enforcing the ban on truck and light commercial vehicle (LCV) entry into Delhi, imposed as part of the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) GRAP-IV measures to combat severe air pollution. The Court has instructed CAQM to initiate prosecution against officials who failed to implement these measures.

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• The Supreme Court directed CAQM to prosecute authorities who failed to enforce the truck entry ban in Delhi.
• The ban was part of the GRAP-IV measures aimed at combating severe air pollution.
• The Court found that there was a significant lapse by the authorities in enforcing the ban at key entry points.
• Many of the 83 check posts surveyed were unmanned, and police were unclear on the orders.
• Justice Oka questioned why only 23 checkpoints were manned and criticized the negligence in enforcement.
• The Court emphasized that the truck entry ban should apply to all NCR districts, not just Delhi.
• The CAQM was urged to take stronger action to inform the public and police about the restrictions.
• AQI levels in Delhi remained between 318-419 from November 20 to 24, indicating serious air pollution.
• The Court decided to keep GRAP-IV measures in place until there is a clear and consistent improvement in air quality.
• The Court also directed the release of labour cess funds to provide subsistence to construction workers during the construction ban.