Supreme Court Asks States To Decide On Suspending Physical Classes For Students Till Class 12 Amid Pollution Crisis

The Supreme Court asked states to decide on suspending physical classes up to 12th grade amid pollution crists. The top court also stated that GRAP IV will remain in force in Delhi regardless of AQI improvements.

The Supreme Court on Monday urged all states to consider suspending physical classes up to class 12 while hearing a plea regarding Delhi's deteriorating air quality. This came as senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan emphasised the health risks, stating, “The lungs of 10th and 12th students cannot be different from other students. If a direction can be given to stop those physical classes as well.”

The remark came as physical classes have been suspended for all except for grades 10 and 12 as Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP IV) has been enforced.

Responding to the remark, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih, asserted, “All states should take an immediate call to stop physical classes of all standards up to class 12”, Bar and Bench reported.

Delhi Pollution Crisis: SC Directs GRAP IV To Remain In Force Even If AQI Improves

Highlighting the critical situation, the apex court is considering enforcing Stage 4 of the GRAP IV regardless of improvements in the Air Quality Index (AQI). “We are making it very clear that you will not go below Stage 4 without our permission now even if AQI goes below 300. That is the order we are proposing,” the SC bench stated, as quoted by Bar and Bench.

Typically, GRAP IV is implemented when the AQI surpasses 450, enforcing measures like school closures, halting construction activities, and imposing the odd-even vehicle scheme. The case has been adjourned for further deliberation later today.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea that seeks strict enforcement of measures to combat the ‘severe’ AQI. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated GRAP IV as the air quality deteriorated on Sunday into the 'Severe plus' category.

As per GRAP IV, the entry of trucks into Delhi will be restricted, with exemptions for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services. Only LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed into the city. Furthermore, light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, except for electric and CNG vehicles or BS-VI diesel models, are barred from entering unless they carry essential commodities or provide crucial services.