During a case on electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, lawyers cited Delhi's toxic air—with AQI at 335 and often spiking to 400-500—as reason to skip in-person appearances. Kant, the new 53rd CJI, agreed the discomfort is real and suggested exempting lawyers over 60 while exploring fully virtual hearings. The court already uses hybrid mode, but stubble burning, vehicles, and dust keep the air hazardous, marking the 12th straight day of very poor quality.