File photo of toxic air blanketing Delhi. (Representative/PTI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools across the Delhi–NCR region to postpone sports and athletic events scheduled for November–December, citing hazardous pollution levels.

A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran made the observation while hearing the ongoing MC Mehta matter on worsening air quality.

According to LiveLaw, the bench intervened after concerns were raised over several NCR schools preparing to hold annual sports meets despite the Air Quality Index dipping into dangerous ranges.

Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing as amicus curiae, told the court that several schools are holding sports amid toxic air. “Children are most vulnerable, holding sports now is like putting them in gas chambers,” she submitted, reported LiveLaw

Taking note of the submission, the bench requested the CAQM to consider issuing appropriate directions to shift such sporting activities to safer months. As reported by LiveLaw, the court was also informed that a similar petition is scheduled to be heard before the Delhi High Court later in the afternoon. The Supreme Court said the High Court may pass orders as it deems fit.

The direction comes as the Court continues to monitor the NCR pollution crisis in the long-running MC Mehta case, with schools, health experts and environmental authorities expressing growing alarm over prolonged exposure of children to toxic air.