If air is unsafe, cut GST on purifiers: HC

The Delhi High Court has sharply questioned the Centre’s handling of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, saying that if authorities cannot ensure clean air, they should at least make air purifiers more affordable for the public.

Hearing a petition on Wednesday, the Court said the government must seriously consider reducing the 18 percent Goods and Services Tax on air purifiers. It suggested a temporary cut or exemption, calling the pollution situation an emergency that directly affects public health.

The judges pointed out that breathing clean air is a basic necessity. If the state is unable to provide it, the least it can do is reduce the financial burden on people who are forced to rely on air purifiers to protect their health. The Court asked the government to respond with clear instructions later the same day.

In strong remarks, the Bench underlined how often people breathe every day and warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air causes serious harm. It stressed that the situation cannot be treated casually and requires urgent action.

The plea was filed by advocate Kapil Madan, who argued that air purifiers are no longer luxury items in Delhi’s current conditions. He said they have become essential for maintaining safe indoor air, especially for children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.

The petition further stated that air purifiers should be treated like health-support equipment, as they help reduce exposure to toxic air and support safe breathing during severe pollution episodes. Taxing them at the highest slab, it argued, makes them unaffordable for many families and worsens health risks.

The Court agreed that the issue deserves serious consideration, noting that public health must take priority in a city grappling with recurring air quality emergencies.