The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Secretary of the Delhi government’s Directorate of Education (DoE) to appear in person on 1 December in connection with a petition seeking the closure of schools due to worsening air quality in the capital.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued the order while hearing a plea filed by the Wazirpur JJ Colony Association. The court noted its displeasure over the failure of the DoE, the Delhi government and the Union government to file responses, despite being served notices on 20 September.

According to the bench, only one of the seven respondents has entered an appearance and submitted a counter-affidavit. It said the issues raised require assistance from the DoE, which had not responded so far.

The court asked the Delhi government and its education directorate to file their counter-affidavits before the next hearing. The Supreme Court registry was instructed to send the order to the DoE Secretary to ensure compliance.

During the proceedings, the bench was informed that schools had been closed for extended periods in 2022, 2023 and 2024 due to toxic air, but no similar action had been taken this year.

Air quality in Delhi has remained in the “poor” to “very poor” range for several weeks. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, an Air Quality Index of 201–300 is categorised as “poor”, 301–400 as “very poor”, and 401–500 as “severe”.

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