'You're Shirking Responsibility': High Court To Delhi Govt In Plea To Hold Outdoor School Sports Events During Better Air Quality Months

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a plea moved by various school children seeking a direction on the Delhi Government to schedule tournaments and trials for outdoor sports in the national capital during “safer and less susceptible months” with better ambient air quality.

Justice Sachin Datta sought response of the Delhi Government through Directorate of Education (DOE) and School Federation of India Games (SFGI) within four weeks.

Senior Advocate Shyel Trehan appearing for the petitioners told the Court about an order passed by the Supreme Court earlier today, asking Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider issuing directions to the schools in Delhi to postpone sports and game competitions scheduled in November to December to safer months after improvements in the air quality.

The counsel appearing for the Delhi Government submitted that only a few sports are played in open whereas majority of the games are played indoors.

As Trehan said that a direction was only being sought to be implemented from the next year, Delhi Government's counsel said that it is for the SFIG to consider the matter and pass appropriate directions.

On this, the Court orally remarked that even the Delhi Government will have to schedule the fixtures accordingly.

As Trehan opposed the stand of the Delhi Government saying that it was being “criminally negligent”, the Court told Delhi Government:

“I am very sorry to say but you are shirking your responsibility. From your submission it is apparent. Do you recognise that in the months of November to January, there is a problem and that children should not be subjected to outdoor activities? You recognize that. The second aspect is you plan in a way from the future year, the next year, that there there is minimal number or no fixtures during this period…As far as Delhi is concerned, you must start your games immediately after the Board (exams). That is what you need to do.”

The Court listed the matter for hearing on January 13, 2026.

Moved by 11 children, the plea submits that the sports events must be avoided in Delhi during the months of November to January, when the air quality is 'Severe' and 'Hazardous'.

It is their case that the repeated scheduling of such outdoor sports events in the months of November to January of each school calendar is arbitrary, unreasonable and negligent.

The plea submits that scheduling of state sanctioned sports tournaments, trials and camps during the period in question forces children, who are recognized as “vulnerable group”, to perform strenuous physical activities in a highly toxic environment.

“The repeated scheduling of sporting events at this time of the year is a flagrant violation of the Petitioners' Fundamental Rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It is submitted that sports and physical literacy is a very fundamental and important part of a child's upbringing, and play a vital part in ensuring a good life for them,” the plea states.

It adds that children across the national capital are being compelled to choose between participating in state-scheduled sports events or remain indoors to mitigate and prevent health harm.

Title: NYSA BEDI & ORS v. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR