Supreme Court Orders Relaxation of Delhi School and College Norms

• The Supreme Court has ordered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax Graded Response Action Plan stage-IV (GRAP-IV) restrictions, allowing physical classes in schools and colleges in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

• The CAQM has instructed state governments in the NCR to conduct all classes up to 12 in schools and colleges in “hybrid” mode, both in “physical” and “online” mode, where feasible.

• The court cited factors such as lack of midday meals, lack of online classes, and lack of air purifiers as reasons for the order.

• The court will leave the decision to the CAQM to decide if GRAP III and IV norms can be relaxed.