The Delhi High Court on December 9 dismissed a petition by Shubham Verma, a Scientist-E working at a telecom tech centre under the Department of Telecommunications. Verma sought permission to work from home because of health problems caused by heavy air pollution in Delhi. He claimed the Commission for Air Quality Management had advised at least 50% of office employees to work from home starting November 21, 2025, but his employer did not follow this. Verma reported medical issues on November 23, 2025, and his doctor recommended avoiding dust and smoke exposure. He asked his employer to allow work from home between November 23 and 27, 2025, but received no response. He also wanted this period counted as on duty even if he did not go to the office. Justice Sachin Datta said he was not convinced by Verma’s arguments. The court noted that the Graded Response Action Plan (GARP) and related guidelines exist to reduce pollution and empower authorities but do not grant automatic rights to employees to work from home or change service terms. The November 21, 2025, GARP guideline gives the central government discretion to allow work from home; it is not mandatory. The court called Verma’s claim for auto work-from-home rights “misplaced” but said he could ask his employer for transfer outside Delhi due to health issues.