India, Dec. 18 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to urgently consider the temporary closure or shifting of nine toll plazas at Delhi's borders to ease traffic congestion and curb rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region, making it clear that public health concerns would override revenue considerations.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed MCD to take a decision within a week on whether the toll plazas could be shut for the time being, making it clear that monetary considerations could not outweigh the larger public interest. "Why can't the officials say that till January, there will be no toll plaza?" the bench remarked.

The bench, also comprising Justices...