Supreme Court Appoints Commissioners to Monitor Truck Entry Ban at Delhi's Borders

In the ongoing Delhi air pollution case, the Supreme Court appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners on Friday (November 22) to visit the city's entry points and check whether the ban on truck entries is being enforced.

Under the GRAP-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management, the entry of trucks into Delhi-NCR is prohibited to help combat air pollution.

However, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of these measures. "We are not satisfied with the compliance.

The government has not clearly stated how many entry points have officers present to enforce the Stage IV measures," observed the bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih.

Amicus curiae, Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, noted that Delhi has 113 entry points, but the Delhi Government's counsel mentioned that vigil is maintained only at 13 major entry points.

The Court highlighted that this meant the other 100 entry points had no restrictions on truck entry, which is a violation under Stage IV.

The Court directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to immediately set up checkposts at all 113 entry points to ensure compliance.

The bench also appointed 13 Advocate Commissioners to visit these points, take photographs, and report their findings to the Court. "Out of 113, nearly 100 entry points are unmanned. We have asked members of the bar to inspect these points," the bench observed.

The Court emphasised that the enforcement of truck entry restrictions, along with bans on fireworks and construction activities, was crucial. "

The percentage of pollution caused by these trucks is significant, and it’s the responsibility of the Delhi Police and government to enforce the measures," said Justice Oka during the hearing.

The Court will reconvene on November 25 to review whether the GRAP-IV restrictions should continue.