India, Nov. 27 -- Delhi-NCR's choking air overshadowed multiple proceedings in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and several senior lawyers repeatedly flagging the deteriorating air quality that has begun affecting basic functioning inside the courtroom.

The severity of the problem played out when senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi abruptly sought permission to leave midway through arguments, citing "chest congestion", and requested that he be allowed to appear online. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal supported him, saying, "Things are really getting from bad to worse. Every year, the pollution is increasing. At least there should be some option for the elderly lawyers who may get sick."

During the hearing, t...