The Supreme Court is set to shake things up on Monday with a big hearing about the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR. The culprit? Stubble burning in nearby Punjab and Haryana fields that is choking the city with dirty air. The top court earlier ordered Punjab and Haryana governments to explain what they’ve done to stop this smoke menace. Chief Justice BR Gavai, along with justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria, will listen to the case that was scheduled on November 17. The CJI told them, "Let Punjab and Haryana governments respond on steps taken to control stubble burning." This isn’t the first time the court is trying to clean up the air. On November 3, it directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file a report showing what actions have been taken to stop pollution from getting worse in Delhi-NCR. The court said authorities must act fast and not wait for pollution to hit “severe” levels. Adding spice to the discussion, Amicus curiae Singh raised an eyebrow over news reports showing many air quality monitoring stations in Delhi were not working during the crucial Diwali time. She said, "There are newspapers after newspapers saying that monitoring stations are non-functional. If the monitoring stations are not even functioning, we don't even know when to implement GRAP (graded response action plan)... Out of 37 monitoring stations, only nine were functioning continuously on the day of Diwali." The amicus pushed the court to demand clear data and a solid plan from the CAQM. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured that the concerned agencies will submit the required report. Meanwhile, on October 15, the CJI-led bench had allowed the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali. This was a well-thought balance to keep traditions alive while caring for health and environment. The court allowed the sale from October 18 to 20 and restricted use to specific hours on Diwali and the day before. It made it clear this was only a "test case basis and it shall be only for the period specified." With pollution at stake and tradition in play, all eyes are on the Supreme Court’s Monday hearing. Will Punjab and Haryana show strong action? Can the air get fresher? Stay tuned for this unfolding drama that concerns every breath we take!