The Supreme Court on Wednesday (November 19, 2025) gave the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) a free hand to take “any proactive measure” to curb air pollution throttling Delhi-NCR after the statutory body proposed to include choice GRAP IV restrictions like work-from-home and 50% office attendance in the ongoing GRAP III stage itself.

“Any proactive measure of CAQM to reduce air pollution is always welcome,” Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, heading a Bench comprising Justice K. Vinod Chandran, observed in an order. The court said CAQM must however consult stakeholders and take everyone on board.

The court was responding to a note submitted by the CAQM proposing short-term and long-term measures against air pollution choking Delhi-NCR.

Amicus curiae, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, highlighted a CAQM recommendation to exempt BS-III emission vehicles from the protection of an August 12, 2025 apex court order, which had barred authorities from taking any coercive steps against the owners of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles.