SC Directs CAQM To Decide On Relaxing Restrictions on Physical Classes In Schools And Colleges Amidst Delhi Air Pollution

Today (November 25, 2024), the Supreme Court (SC) bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih directed the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) to consider relaxing the restrictions, on physical classes of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, imposed last week in Delhi-NCR due to severe air pollution. The bench passed the order after noting that various students could not avail midday meals due to the suspension of physical classes. The matter was heard today after an application, seeking the resumption of physical classes, was filed on Friday (November 22) by the parents of children belonging to marginalized sections. In the application, they pointed out that many families belong to lower strata of society and do not have internet access and electronic gadgets depriving their children of online classes. While hearing the matter, the SC bench said that there are various houses that do not have air purifiers; therefore, there is no difference between inside and outside air for them. Lastly, the bench ordered that the CAQM decide on the same by tomorrow (November 26, 2024). Earlier this morning, a slight improvement in Delhi’s air quality was noticed.