Delhi air pollution: SC points to winter school break while hearing a plea to open primary classes, mid-day meal

Wed Dec 17 17:56:11 UTC 2025: Supreme Court Hesitates on Delhi School Closures Amid Pollution Debate

New Delhi – December 17, 2025 – The Supreme Court declined to intervene Wednesday in the ongoing debate surrounding the closure of primary schools in Delhi due to hazardous air pollution levels. The decision comes amidst concerns that these closures disproportionately affect disadvantaged children, who rely on schools for vital mid-day meals and a safer environment than their homes.

A recent circular from the Delhi government ordered the shutdown of classes from nursery to grade five in response to soaring air pollution. Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing parents, argued before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant that closing schools effectively denies vulnerable children their most nutritious daily meal. She emphasized that many of these children come from families who cannot afford air purifiers and whose homes may be located in more polluted areas.

While acknowledging the concerns, Chief Justice Kant questioned whether forcing children to attend school in polluted conditions was truly in their best interest, particularly regarding potential health risks and the associated medical costs for families who can least afford them.

Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh pointed out the government circular contradicts the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which suggests a hybrid learning approach. However, the Chief Justice highlighted the discriminatory nature of such a system, benefiting affluent families with the resources for at-home learning while disadvantaging poorer families.

Ultimately, the court opted to wait for the upcoming winter break to potentially alleviate the pollution crisis, expressing hope that the Air Quality Index (AQI) will improve by the time schools are scheduled to reopen. The Commission of Air Quality Management has been tasked to also consider the problem. The court said “It is only a matter of one week or so, meanwhile schools will close for winter break. Let us pray the AQI comes down.”

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