The Supreme Court permitted the Commission of Air Quality Management to decide on reopening NCR schools, considering the hardships faced by poor students. The court also mandated strict adherence to GRAP-IV restrictions and directed action against authorities for non-compliance with truck entry bans.

For nearly four decades now, the top court has actively discussed the air pollution crisis plaguing the country’s capital — leading to the passage of some consequential reforms. Yet, significant chall

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Deliberating on the issue of sections of society affected by restrictions under the fourth stage of the GRAP – like labourers and daily wage workers involved in construction activity – it said all states must use funds collected as labour cess to provide subsistence to them.

The Supreme Court noted that it became apparent that mid-day meals were not reaching the students, and they also lacked crucial resources to engage in online education.

In its November 25, 2024, order, the Supreme Court emphasised the adverse impact of continued restrictions on education, particularly for underprivileged students.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has eased certain anti-pollution measures following the Supreme Court's direction.

The CAQM ordered that state governments in the Delhi-NCR shall ensure that all classes are conducted in a “Hybrid” mode.

The physical classes have been suspended in the Delhi-NCR for more than a week now due to hazardous air quality.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih noted that the students were being deprived of mid-day meals and lacked wherewithal to attend virtual classes.