The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Government to prevent school children from participating in outdoor sports during the heavily polluted winter months from November to January.
Justice
Sachin Datta, addressing a plea by minor students, emphasised that authorities were not adequately protecting children’s health and must revise the annual sports calendar to avoid outdoor events during these hazardous months, reported ANI.
“You can’t call children to damage their lungs. You must change your calendar accordingly,” the court stated.
The judge ordered the Department of Education to submit a status report within four weeks and scheduled the next hearing for January 13, 2026. Senior Advocate Shyel Trehan, representing the minor students, highlighted that numerous outdoor sports events were planned this month despite the very poor air quality.
She noted that the Department of Education is responsible for organising the sports calendar. Trehan also presented a photograph from a pulmonologist to the court, showing the detrimental effects of polluted air on children’s lungs.
Upon questioning if the Supreme Court had examined a similar issue, Trehan confirmed that the Supreme Court had instructed the CAQM to consider sporting activities while enforcing GRAP restrictions.
Justice Datta told the Delhi Government, “Do you recognise that these months are bad? You must plan so that no sports events happen then. You should schedule events after the board exams.”
The government responded that only a few outdoor sporting events are held, and winters used to be enjoyable in Delhi. However, it assured the court that it would consult the Department of Education. Trehan described holding sports in such conditions as “shocking” and “criminal negligence.” The petition argues that Delhi’s winter air frequently reaches severe and hazardous levels, forcing children to play in such conditions endangers their health and violates their right to life.
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