On Wednesday, the Supreme Court urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to examine whether school sports events scheduled across Delhi–NCR for November and December should be shifted to later months, in view of the severely deteriorated air quality. The direction came during ongoing proceedings concerning pollution levels in the National Capital Region, where the Court noted the gravity of the situation and the particular vulnerability of school-aged children exposed to hazardous air.
During the hearing in the long-standing MC Mehta environmental matter, the bench, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, was informed that several schools in Delhi-NCR had planned sports meets and outdoor competitions during November. At the same time, the region has been witnessing dangerous Air Quality Index levels, raising serious health concerns for young participants.
Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the Court as amicus curiae, submitted that holding sports activities during this period of intense pollution could pose severe health risks to schoolchildren. She cautioned that exposing children to such toxic conditions was akin to subjecting them to hazardous environments, calling for immediate intervention.
Taking note of the submissions, the bench expressed concern over the potential health impact on children and observed that the timing of these events must be reconsidered in light of the alarming pollution levels. The Court emphasised that the CAQM, as the statutory regulator entrusted with air quality management in the region, should evaluate whether formal directions are required to defer these outdoor activities until conditions improve.
The bench was also informed that a petition concerning similar relief was listed before the Delhi High Court later in the day. Recording this, the Apex Court clarified that the High Court is fully empowered to issue any directions it considers appropriate on the matter.
Without issuing a binding mandate, the Top Court formally requested the CAQM to evaluate the situation and, if necessary, issue directions postponing school sports events to safer months with better air quality. The Court noted that safeguarding children's health must remain paramount amid continuing pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR.
Picture Source :