Supreme Court Upholds Delhi's Decision to Shift Younger Students to Online Classes Amid Air Pollution
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The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in the Delhi government's decision to shift students up to Class V to fully online classes due to the severe air pollution in the region. The court cited the health risks posed by air pollution to younger children and emphasized that policymakers are best positioned to make decisions in this matter. The court expressed concerns about the effectiveness of measures to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which have 'failed' despite repeated interventions. Given the winter break for schools was imminent, the bench decided not to upset the Delhi government's temporary arrangement. The Delhi government's decision was taken in response to worsening air quality, prompting Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan. The move was challenged by parents who argued that it disproportionately affected children from poorer backgrounds, who may not have access to clean air, adequate space, or air purifiers at home. However, the court remained unconvinced, stressing that it cannot assume the role of a 'super-specialist' in matters of public health and policy. The bench emphasized that the decision was a temporary measure for an extreme situation and should be left to policymakers. The court also highlighted the inherent inequity in a hybrid model, which would expose some children to health risks while others might be better protected due to their families' ability to afford safeguards. The bench noted that once the state has acknowledged a serious risk and taken a call to keep children at home, there is little justification for judicial interference. The Delhi government has assured the court that the directive will be revisited and modified as soon as the air quality shows improvement. The court has disposed of the applications, leaving it open to the Commission for Air Quality Management to consider future options for schools, including closure, hybrid mode, or parental choice.
