After Supreme Court Expresses Concerns About Children Amid Pollution, Delhi Govt Decides To Close Schools For A Week

Expressing serious concern towards the probable effect of Delhi's present air pollution crisis on the health of school going children, the Supreme Court on Saturday asked the Delhi Government what steps have been taken in that regard.

Addressing Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appearing for Delhi Government, a bench comprising the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice  DY Chandrachud asked if the Government has decided to let the schools run even in the present alarming situation.

The bench, while hearing a petition seeking emergent steps to redress the national capital's worsening air quality, emphasised that the aspect of schools comes under the Delhi Government's jurisdiction and it is the Delhi Government which needs to take action.

"You have opened all schools 2 weeks back, you are now witnessing children going to school and exposing their lungs & life to grave pollutants. Has Delhi Govt done anything to schools or they're still running? This comes under the Delhi Government's jurisdiction" Justice Chandrachud remarked

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra submitted that he understands that the situation is alarming, with the present air quality "its like consuming 20 cigarettes a day even when we don't smoke"

He had agreed to take the Court's point to the Delhi Government.

Earlier during the hearing, Justice Chandrachud had also expressed a similar concern before Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Union of India. 

Referred to AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria's recent statement, Justice Chandrachud stated that little children who have to go to school are now being exposed to the pandemic, the pollution and also dengue.

"Mr Mehta, look at seriousness of problem schools have been opened now Post pandemic schools have been opened, Little children are out on the roads at 7 am in the morning to reach school in this kind of weather. we are exposing all the little children to this! Like Dr Guleria said, the other day, there's pandemic there's pollution and there's dengue and we are exposing little children who have to go to school in this weather." Justice Chandrachud said. 

Following the observations made by the Top Court, a meeting was conducted by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in relation to the Delhi crisis, where the Delhi Government has reportedly decided to shut the schools in Delhi for a week. The classes will however continue online. 

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