SC Directs Delhi-NCR States To Decide On Stopping Physical Classes Till 12th Standard

Supreme Court directed states in the Delhi-NCR region to take an immediate call to stop all physical classes for students up to Class 12.

Anti-smog guns being used to spray water droplets to curb air pollution, in New Delhi. (PTI photo)

The Supreme Court on Monday directed states in the Delhi-NCR region to take an immediate call to stop all physical classes for students up to Class 12, considering the alarming levels of air pollution in the area.

An apex court bench including Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, reviewed a petition urging measures to tackle severe air pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions. 

Flagging the delay in implementing the stricter restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the capital region, the top court reprimanded the Delhi government. The bench directed to keep the restrictions under stage 4 intact even if AQI level falls below 450. 

"We direct restrictions under stage 4 of GRAP to continue even if AQI level falls below 450," the bench said.

The court further suggested creating a system where people can report violations of stage 4 restrictions under the GRAP. It also directed the Delhi government and neighboring NCR states to submit a compliance report by November 22 on the steps taken to control pollution. The bench added that additional measures, beyond those outlined in GRAP, could also be considered.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 486 on Monday, the highest of the season so far. The pollution level remained in the 'severe plus' category for the second consecutive day.