The top court pointed out the presence of 55 per cent vacant posts in the Delhi pollution control committee and said it was shocking that the body was “virtually defunct”.

Issuing notices, the apex court ordered the officials to explain why shouldn’t they be punished under Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 for the non compliance.

While the Delhi chief secretary was directed to personally appear before court on May 19, chief secretaries of other states were ordered to virtually appear on July 18. PTI PKS PKS AMK AMK