The Supreme Court of India has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region, drawing a stark comparison between making children participate in outdoor sports during pollution peaks and putting them in a gas chamber.
Court's Strong Stance on Children's Health
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard air pollution-related matters and took serious note of submissions regarding children's exposure to toxic air. The court specifically addressed the timing of school sports competitions, which typically occur during November and December - the peak period for poor air quality in the region.
The bench responded to concerns raised by Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, who serves as amicus curiae in the matter. Singh argued compellingly that forcing children to attend outdoor events during such hazardous air quality conditions would be equivalent to placing them in a gas chamber, highlighting the severe health risks involved.
Directive to Air Quality Commission
Taking these serious health implications into account, the Supreme Court issued a significant request to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court urged the commission to consider issuing necessary directions to concerned states for shifting sports competition activities from the hazardous November-December period to safer months when air quality typically improves.
The court formally recorded in its order that the amicus curiae had raised legitimate concerns about most schools scheduling their sports competitions during the peak pollution period. The bench acknowledged the validity of the gas chamber comparison and directed immediate action to protect school-going children from exposure to dangerous pollution levels.
Additional Pollution Control Measures
In related developments, the Supreme Court also addressed another critical air pollution issue. Following joint requests from both the Centre and the Punjab government, the court stayed the Punjab and Haryana High Court's November 2023 order that had paused the state government's directive requiring brick kilns to use paddy straw pellets as fuel instead of more polluting alternatives.
The Supreme Court noted that both the State of Punjab and the Union of India agreed that the High Court order was detrimental to pollution reduction efforts in Punjab. The court emphasized that emissions from pellets are significantly lower than those from coal, which kilns had been using under the High Court's interim order.
This comprehensive approach by the Supreme Court demonstrates the judiciary's increasing involvement in addressing the annual air quality crisis that plagues Delhi-NCR each winter, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable groups like children from the severe health impacts of pollution.
