The Supreme Court on Tuesday closed a suo motu case initiated in 2021 to address the remediation of polluted rivers, bringing to an end five years of limited progress. The court directed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to reopen the matter and continue monitoring efforts related to river pollution.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the practicality of the apex court examining pollution levels in rivers across the country. “Is it possible for this court to look at all the polluted rivers? We can look at it one by one. We also keep entertaining so many matters and issue directions… we also have to see that we entertain matters together. Why should we have a multiplicity of issues like this?” the Chief Justice observed during the hearing.
The case had its origins on January 13, 2021, when the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of river contamination caused by untreated sewage and municipal lapses. At the time, a three-judge Bench led by then Chief Justice Sharad A. Bobde described rivers and open surface water resources as “the lifeline of human civilisation.”
The court had underlined the direct link between freshwater quality and public health, holding that the right to a clean environment and pollution-free water falls within the ambit of the right to life under the Constitution.
The proceedings were triggered by an urgent plea from the Delhi Jal Board seeking directions to immediately halt the discharge of pollutants into the Yamuna River from neighbouring Haryana.
With the Supreme Court stepping back, the responsibility for sustained oversight now shifts to the National Green Tribunal, as concerns over deteriorating river health and enforcement gaps persist across several States.