Last Updated:
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed frustration over the lack of response from the DoE and other respondents, including the Centre.
Delhi has been struggling with poor air quality for the past few weeks. (Representative image/PTI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday demanded the personal appearance of the Secretary of the Directorate of Education of the Delhi government in response to a plea seeking the closure of schools due to worsening air quality in the national capital, reported PTI.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was addressing a plea filed by the Wazirpur JJ Colony Association. The bench expressed frustration over the lack of response from the DoE and other respondents, including the Centre.
“The office report shows that all seven respondents were served through speed post on September 20, 2025. However, only respondent no.4 has entered an appearance and filed its counter affidavit. Respondents no.1 to 3, namely, the Government of NCT of Delhi and its Directorate of Education, as well as the Union of India, have chosen not to enter an appearance,” stated the CJI.
The bench noted that the issue raised would need proper assistance from the DoE.
“Unfortunately, the said department has also not come forward to assist the court… In such circumstances, we summon the Secretary, Directorate of Education, State of NCT of Delhi, who shall remain present on December 01, 2025. Meanwhile, the NCT of Delhi and its Directorate of Education shall also file their counter-affidavit,” the order stated.
The bench instructed the apex court registry to send a copy of the order to the DoE Secretary for compliance.
During a brief hearing, the bench was informed that schools were closed for extended periods in 2022, 2023, and 2024 due to toxic air quality. However, no such measures have been taken this year by the DoE, according to a lawyer.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.
The city has been struggling with poor air quality for the past few weeks.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in …Read More
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in … Read More
November 27, 2025, 6:45 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
