CJI welcomes Kejriwal's odd-even formula for cars to contain pollution in Delhi

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) TS Thakur welcomes Delhi government's odd and even scheme for cars to contain pollution in Delhi.

He said, "Supreme Court judges ready to follow government's odd-even car rule in they have no problem with the formula. This will encourage others."

Concerned over pollution issues, he said, "The pollution level in Supreme Court is worrisome and air is ten times more polluted inside courtroom."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the statement made by CJI and conveyed his gratitude through social media. "CJI's support 2 odd-even formula is welcome n huge encouragement. SC judges pooling cars would inspire millions 2 follow. Thank u My Lords," Kejriwal's tweet reads.

He said, "I thank him from my heart for his support. It's a big encouragement for us and all Delhi government ministers will follow the same rules. We will appreciate if supreme court judges too can do the same."

On the context of bigotry issue in India, the CJI claimed that there is no intolerance in India. "Debate on intolerance may have political dimensions but nobody needs to worry till SC is here to uphold rule of law. It is politically motivated and one should not forget that this country is a home for all religion," he said.

"I am heading an institution to uphold rule of law for all caste and creed. You have to follow the due process established by law. It is for a foreigner also and so for our own people. The rule of law is there. We have to protect all. This country is home for all religions. Look at Paris from where they have come and they have contributed so such in industry and law," the CJI said.

"Crime is human weakness and it is necessary to promote sense of inclusive society, mutual respect for other religion among the people of our country else conditions will become difficult. We cannot divide the country on the basis of religion, we have rejected two-nation theory," he said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain thanked CJI for his remark. "I still use public transport/car pool system. Pollution levels are bad and we have to take measures on emergency basis. The odd even number system will be applicable on leaders and politicians also," he said.

Kejriwal had said the implementation of odd-even scheme on alternate days on Delhi roads from January 1 will be on experimental basis. He said it could be discontinued if people faced problems.

On Saturday, AAP government's even and odd car number plates solution to Delhi's pollution problem has ensued a debate. While the AAP has expressed faith in the proposal, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seems to differ.

The tribunal's lawyer has said that the Delhi government's proposal will only put more burden on the police force and that the government should rather consider other suggestions.

"Solutions must be the one which can be digested by people. If implemented, the entire burden would lie on Delhi police and the concept is of Delhi government," NGT lawyer Balendu Shekhar appearing for Environment Ministry and MCD had said.

The Delhi government's decision came after the Delhi High Court observed that living in Delhi was like living in a 'gas chamber'.

Even, former CJI HL Dattu had said that his grandson looked like a ninja because of the mask he is forced to wear to protect himself from the pollution.