Pranav Shukla
The Supreme Court announced on 22 November 2024 that it would evaluate next week whether to ease some restrictions currently enforced under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. This review will particularly focus on measures impacting schools, as part of the case In Re: Commission for Air Quality Management.
A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih observed that the implications of GRAP Stage IV are highly severe.This observation was made in response to a petition filed by some parents challenging the suspension of in-person classes and the shift to online learning for school children.
Schools in Delhi-NCR are currently closed, and students are compelled to attend online classes due to the severe air pollution in the region.The parents argued that many families lack the necessary technological resources at home to facilitate virtual learning for their children.
In a petition filed by a group of eight parents, it was argued that shutting down schools is not a solution to Delhi-NCR’s pollution problems. The plea asserts that such closures disrupt children’s fundamental right to education.
The Court stated, “We will examine whether Stage IV needs to be scaled back.” The Court announced that it would take up the matter for consideration on December 2.
Case Name – In Re: Commission for Air Quality Management.
Case Number – Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 13029/1985
Bench – Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih