Join the Fight: Retired SC Judge Abhay S Oka Urges Citizens to Take a Stand Against the Pollution Crisis for a Greener Future!

Retired Supreme Court Judge Abhay S. Oka has underscored the critical role each citizen must play in tackling pollution and conserving the environment. In a recent interview, he emphasized that without collective responsibility, the burden will fall solely on climate activists. “It is about the approach,” Justice Oka said, reflecting on 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution, yet lamenting inadequate progress in environmental protection.

Justice Oka stressed that broad public awareness and commitment are essential to drive meaningful change. “Once every citizen realizes it is their duty to improve and conserve the environment, things will change. Otherwise, the responsibility remains confined to a few activists who raise issues and seek legal redress,” he warned.

His comments come amid alarming air quality levels in Delhi, where residents recently awoke to heavy smog and significantly reduced visibility. The city’s air quality index (AQI) recorded a severe rating of 402 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with more than half of its monitoring stations categorized as ‘severe.’ Twelve stations reported ‘very poor’ air quality, many nearing the hazardous 400 mark.

Justice Oka, who retired from the Supreme Court on May 24, 2025, after a notable judicial career that included leadership roles in the Bombay High Court and Karnataka High Court, has since joined SVKM Pravin Gandhi College of Law as an Honorary Professor of Practice. During a recent event, he addressed the increasing backlash against climate activists and judges advocating for environmental issues. He noted that both groups often face hostility for their positions, with activists frequently labeled as anti-national or anti-religion.

“Acknowledgment and praise for climate activists are crucial rather than the attacks they currently face,” Justice Oka remarked. He also highlighted the scrutiny judges endure, particularly from social media. Recalling a 2017 case concerning noise pollution and the construction of religious pandals on roads, he described a situation where the Maharashtra government accused him of bias for opposing its stance on “silence zones” due to amendments in the Noise Pollution Rules. “The Bar stood firmly against the government’s claims, and the Chief Justice backed us up. The rest is history,” he added.

Justice Oka’s insights shed light on the urgent call for civic duty in environmental conservation, as well as the challenges faced by those leading the charge. His remarks resonate amid ongoing discussions about pollution, climate change, and accountability in India, highlighting the necessity for a concerted effort from all citizens to safeguard the environment for future generations.

As the nation grapples with deteriorating air quality and environmental crises, the need for collective action has never been more critical. Embracing individual responsibility could pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future, but it requires a shift in mindset across society. The former judge’s clarion call serves as a timely reminder that everyone has a role to play in the stewardship of the planet.

Tags: Abhay S. Oka, Supreme Court, Delhi air quality, environmental pollution, climate action, civic duty, noise pollution.

Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pollution-crisis-environment-protection-is-every-citizen-s-duty-not-just-activists-justice-abhay-s-oka-aqi-in-delhi-11766983479288.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-29 10:27:00