The Delhi High Court has taken strong exception to the scheduling of outdoor school sports events during peak pollution months, directing the Directorate of Education to file a detailed status report on the matter. The court's intervention came in response to a plea filed by 11 minor students seeking protection from hazardous air exposure during sporting activities.
Court Rebukes Education Authorities
Justice Sachin Datta delivered sharp criticism against the Delhi government's Directorate of Education during Wednesday's hearing, stating that the department appeared to be shirking its responsibility toward children's health. The judge made these observations while hearing a petition that challenges the scheduling of tournaments and trials for outdoor sports during Delhi's most polluted period from November to January.
"I am very sorry to say but you are shirking your responsibility. It is apparent from your submission. 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 recognise that," Justice Datta told the DoE counsel during the proceedings.
Students' Health Takes Center Stage
The petition, filed through the minors' parents, highlights the serious health risks children face when participating in strenuous physical activities during periods of severe air pollution. The plea emphasizes that scientific evidence and judicial recognition both confirm that Delhi experiences an annual public health emergency during winter months.
According to the petitioners, the continued scheduling of school, inter-zonal, state, and national level sporting events during this hazardous period constitutes a major health issue for participating children. The plea states that exposure to toxic air during intense physical activity can cause diminished lung growth, cognitive impairment, and acute cardiovascular strain in young participants.
Systemic Changes Demanded
The High Court has directed both the Directorate of Education and the School Federation of India Games (SFIG) to file status reports detailing their plans to address the pollution concerns. While acknowledging that the current year's schedule cannot be altered, the court insisted that authorities must change their calendar starting from next year.
Justice Datta provided specific guidance, suggesting that Delhi should begin its games calendar immediately after board exams conclude, thereby avoiding the worst pollution months. This recommendation comes as the national capital recorded air quality in the "severe" category for the second consecutive day on Wednesday morning.
The court's intervention aligns with broader concerns about air quality management, as the Supreme Court has also asked the Commission for Air Quality Management to consider directing schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone open-air sports competitions planned for November and December to safer months.
