The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision to suspend physical classes up to Class 5 from December 15, in view of the hazardous air quality levels in the national capital. The Court noted that the measure was temporary in nature and left the issue to be considered by the Commission for Air Quality Management (‘CAQM’).
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi observed that it was not inclined to interfere at this stage, particularly since schools were set to close shortly for the winter vacation. The bench was hearing applications questioning the Delhi government’s decision to suspend physical classes from Nursery to 5th standard.
“Complete suspension of physical classes affects children from economically weaker sections”: Meneka Guruswamy
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for a group of parents, argued that the suspension of physical classes adversely impacted children from economically weaker sections. She pointed out that many such children depend on schools for midday meals and questioned the rationale behind shutting classrooms when children were not contributors to air pollution.
