Supreme Court Closes 40-Year-Old MC Mehta Case; Registers Suo Motu Case on NCR Air Pollution

The Supreme Court formally closed the 1985 MC Mehta v. Union of India case, noting its continued pendency created a misleading impression of judicial delay.

The Bench observed that original grievances were resolved decades ago, while current air quality challenges in Delhi-NCR are recent issues requiring a fresh framework.

Consequently, the Bench directed the Registry to register new suo motu proceedings titled "Re: Issues of air pollution in NCR." To streamline adjudication, all pending interlocutory applications will be converted into independent writ petitions and sub-categorized into areas like vehicular pollution, waste management, and industrial emissions.

Advocates have two weeks to identify relevant categories for their applications.

[MC Mehta v. UOI]