Today, the Supreme Court instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to evaluate the possibility of easing restrictions on in-person classes for schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in Delhi-NCR, which were enforced last week in response to severe air pollution.

A bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih issued the order, highlighting that many students are unable to access midday meals due to the suspension of physical classes. The Court further noted that several households lack air purifiers, making the quality of indoor air similar to the polluted outdoor air in such cases.

The CAQM also shall decide on the continuation of physical classes for standards 10 and 12, the Court added.

The Court ordered that a decision be taken by the CAQM in this regard by tomorrow.

Last week, parents filed an application seeking the resumption of physical classes. They argued that many families from economically weaker sections lack access to the internet and electronic devices, leaving their children deprived of online education.