'Cut GST on air purifiers if you can't fight pollution': Delhi HC calls out inaction amid alarming AQI levels

The Delhi high court on Wednesday observed that every citizen requires fresh air.

Updated on: Dec 24, 2025, 13:49:41 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Delhi high court on Wednesday called out the inaction on air pollution, questioning 18 per cent GST on air purifiers amid public health crisis as the city continues to record 'very poor' to ‘severe’ Air quality Index.

People seen out on a cold and smoggy morning at Rajinder Nagar in Delhi on Tuesday (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times)

The high court observed that every citizen requires fresh air.

“If you can’t ensure that, the minimum you can do is reduce GST,” ANI news agency quoted the Delhi high court as noting.

The Delhi high court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed seeking directions to the Central government to declare that air-purifiers fall within the category of 'medical device' under Medical Devices Rules 2017 thereby, bringing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on it from 18 to 5 percent [Kapil Madan vs Union of India & Ors], according to Bar and Bench.

Delhi's air pollution

Delhi has been reeling under toxic air and smog for weeks now, necessitating the imposition of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) multiple times.

Delhi-NCR is currently under Stage 4 of GRAP.

Delhi's air quality, however, saw some improvement on Wednesday morning, with the AQI moving to 'very poor' from 'severe' the day before, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 336 in the morning, as against 415 on Tuesday, the CPCB data showed.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.