Calcutta High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Worsening Air Quality in Kolkata

The Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating air quality in Kolkata, initiating a PIL over AQI levels recorded in the “very poor” to “hazardous” range.

The action follows concerns regarding the persistent decline in air quality across the Kolkata-Howrah metropolitan region.

The Court directed the State authorities to file their responses by February 28, 2026, and ordered that the matter be heard along with an existing PIL on the issue.

The petition seeks effective enforcement of environmental laws to address air pollution and protect the fundamental right to clean air under Articles 21 and 47 of the Constitution.