SC car status symbol pollution concerns were highlighted after the Supreme Court made strong observations on the rising number of private cars in Delhi and their role in worsening air quality. The court said owning a car has become a status symbol, even when cleaner and healthier alternatives are available.
The remarks came during a hearing related to Delhi’s severe air pollution. The bench noted that many people prioritise buying cars over using public transport, cycling or walking. According to the court, this mindset has added to traffic congestion and increased harmful emissions in the capital.
The Supreme Court urged affluent citizens to take responsibility and lead by example. It suggested that those who can afford it should switch to electric vehicles instead of petrol or diesel cars. The court said such a move could reduce pollution and also encourage wider adoption of cleaner transport options.
Judges also expressed dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). They said the body has not acted with enough urgency to tackle pollution sources in Delhi and surrounding regions. The court pointed out delays in decision-making on key measures such as controlling vehicular emissions and managing entry-point congestion.
The bench directed CAQM to hold discussions with experts and come up with clear solutions within a fixed timeframe. It stressed that temporary steps alone would not solve the problem and that long-term planning is necessary.
Delhi continues to face hazardous air quality levels every winter. Vehicle emissions remain one of the major contributors, along with dust, construction activity and industrial pollution. While electric vehicles offer a cleaner alternative, challenges such as charging infrastructure and affordability still remain.
Legal experts believe the Supreme Court’s remarks could push policymakers to accelerate EV adoption and strengthen pollution control measures. The court made it clear that public participation is essential and that environmental responsibility cannot rest only on government agencies.
