New Delhi: The Supreme Court has urged authorities to reconsider school sports events across the Delhi NCR region as air quality continues to remain in the severe category. The bench has expressed strong concern over children being asked to participate in outdoor activities during a period of toxic pollution.
During a hearing on the ongoing air pollution matter, the bench comprising the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran noted that several schools were preparing to hold annual sports meets in November and December, even as pollution levels hovered in dangerous ranges. The court observed that the current conditions are unsafe for children and require immediate intervention.
Concerns were brought to the court’s attention that many schools were moving ahead with outdoor sporting events despite a sharp deterioration in air quality. It was highlighted that children, being more vulnerable to polluted air, face serious health risks when exposed during physical activities.
Taking note of these submissions, the bench asked India’s air quality management authority to examine the issue and consider issuing directions to schools advising them to postpone sports events to safer months. The court was informed that a related case on the matter would also come up before the Delhi High Court later in the day. The Supreme Court clarified that the High Court is free to pass any appropriate orders in line with the prevailing situation.
The observation comes at a time when the national capital region has been battling prolonged periods of severe pollution. Medical experts, environmental groups and schools have repeatedly raised alarms over the impact of hazardous air on children, especially during physical exertion. The court’s intervention adds further urgency to calls for postponing all non-essential outdoor activities for students until air quality improves.
The issue continues to be closely monitored as part of long-standing proceedings on air pollution, with the judiciary urging coordinated action to safeguard public health.
