India's Supreme Court declares pollution-free living a fundamental right

India's Supreme Court declared that living in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right. The court urged officials to tackle worsening air quality, particularly in Delhi, which recorded a "very poor" air quality index of 364. The court criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for inadequate action against illegal stubble burning, which contributes to Delhi's toxic air. It emphasized the need for proper enforcement of existing laws to protect citizens' rights. The court has previously addressed air pollution but noted that its directives have often gone unimplemented. It ordered compliance reports from the federal and state governments to ensure accountability in addressing air quality issues.