The Delhi High Court has issued a strong directive to the Delhi Government, ordering an immediate halt to all outdoor sports events involving schoolchildren during the peak pollution months of November, December, and January. The decision comes amid dangerously high pollution levels that experts say pose severe health risks, especially to young lungs still in development.
The order was passed by Justice Sachin Datta while hearing a plea filed on behalf of minor students who argued that the government had failed to protect their health by continuing physical competitions during toxic air conditions.
HC: “You Can’t Call Children To Damage Their Lungs”
Justice Datta delivered stern observations, saying authorities must “recognise that these months are bad,” and adjust the sports calendar accordingly.
He added:
“You can’t call children to damage their lungs. You must change your calendar accordingly.”
The High Court criticised the lack of preventive action and highlighted that several outdoor sports events were scheduled this month despite the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), which has consistently remained in the very poor and severe categories.
Govt Told to File Report in Four Weeks
The court directed the Department of Education (DoE) to file a status report within four weeks, detailing how it plans to revise and implement a safer sports calendar.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, giving the government limited time to overhaul the structure of school sports activities during winter.
Senior Advocate Shyel Trehan, representing the petitioners, argued that continuing with sports under such conditions amounts to negligence.
She called it “shocking” and “criminal negligence”, emphasising that children are the most vulnerable group in high-pollution environments.
Trehan also presented medical evidence, including a photograph from a pulmonologist, showing the harmful effects of polluted air on children’s lungs.
Court Questions Govt’s Stand on Outdoor Events
When the judge questioned whether authorities understood the severity of pollution, government counsel responded that winters in past years “used to be enjoyable” and that only a limited number of outdoor events were currently being held.
However, the court remained unconvinced, reiterating that even one outdoor sports event in toxic conditions is enough to violate children’s fundamental right to health under Article 21.
Petition: Delhi Winter Air Is Hazardous, Children Are at Risk
The petitioners noted that Delhi’s winter air frequently enters the ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ categories, with AQI crossing 450 in some areas.
Forcing children to run, jump, or exert themselves outdoors in such conditions:
- damages lung tissue
- reduces lung capacity
- increases future respiratory disease risk
- exposes children to harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
The plea argues that this violates children’s right to life and safe environment.
SC Has Also Flagged the Issue Earlier
Advocate Trehan informed the court that the Supreme Court too has asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider sports events while applying GRAP restrictions.
This strengthens the argument that outdoor sports must be reviewed through a public health lens, not just an academic or cultural schedule.
Why This Order Matters
The Delhi High Court’s directive is seen as a crucial intervention for several reasons:
1. Children Are the Most Affected by Pollution
Medical studies show that children inhale more air per kilo of body weight, exposing them to higher toxin levels.
2. Outdoor Exercise Intensifies Exposure
Running or playing increases breathing rate, pulling more pollutant-laden air deep into the lungs.
3. Long-Term Health Impact
Exposure to winter pollution in childhood is linked to lifelong respiratory issues such as:
- asthma
- reduced lung development
- chronic cough
- increased susceptibility to infections
4. Schools Often Lack Air Quality Safety Protocols
Few schools in Delhi have functioning AQI monitors, clean indoor spaces for sports, or clear policies on activity restrictions.
Govt to Rework the Calendar
Following the court’s directive, the Delhi Government said it will consult the Department of Education and revise the sports calendar.
Justice Datta advised that winter sports events may be scheduled after board exams, when the weather is cleaner and more suitable for physical activity.
A Turning Point for School Sports Policy
This ruling is likely to set a precedent, pushing educational institutions to place children’s health above outdated traditions of winter sports days.
As pollution levels worsen each year, this decision signals a necessary shift toward seasonal planning, indoors-based alternatives, and child-centric policy reforms.
Also Read: The Delhi High Court has issued a strong directive to the Delhi Government, ordering an immediate halt to all outdoor sports events involving schoolchildren during the peak pollution months of November, December, and January. The decision comes amid dangerously high pollution levels that experts say pose severe health risks, especially to young lungs still in development.
The order was passed by Justice Sachin Datta while hearing a plea filed on behalf of minor students who argued that the government had failed to protect their health by continuing physical competitions during toxic air conditions.
HC: “You Can’t Call Children To Damage Their Lungs”
Justice Datta delivered stern observations, saying authorities must “recognise that these months are bad,” and adjust the sports calendar accordingly.
He added:
“You can’t call children to damage their lungs. You must change your calendar accordingly.”
The High Court criticised the lack of preventive action and highlighted that several outdoor sports events were scheduled this month despite the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), which has consistently remained in the very poor and severe categories.
Govt Told to File Report in Four Weeks
The court directed the Department of Education (DoE) to file a status report within four weeks, detailing how it plans to revise and implement a safer sports calendar.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, giving the government limited time to overhaul the structure of school sports activities during winter.
Senior Advocate Shyel Trehan, representing the petitioners, argued that continuing with sports under such conditions amounts to negligence.
She called it “shocking” and “criminal negligence”, emphasising that children are the most vulnerable group in high-pollution environments.
Trehan also presented medical evidence, including a photograph from a pulmonologist, showing the harmful effects of polluted air on children’s lungs.
Court Questions Govt’s Stand on Outdoor Events
When the judge questioned whether authorities understood the severity of pollution, government counsel responded that winters in past years “used to be enjoyable” and that only a limited number of outdoor events were currently being held.
However, the court remained unconvinced, reiterating that even one outdoor sports event in toxic conditions is enough to violate children’s fundamental right to health under Article 21.
Petition: Delhi Winter Air Is Hazardous, Children Are at Risk
The petitioners noted that Delhi’s winter air frequently enters the ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ categories, with AQI crossing 450 in some areas.
Forcing children to run, jump, or exert themselves outdoors in such conditions:
- damages lung tissue
- reduces lung capacity
- increases future respiratory disease risk
- exposes children to harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
The plea argues that this violates children’s right to life and safe environment.
SC Has Also Flagged the Issue Earlier
Advocate Trehan informed the court that the Supreme Court too has asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider sports events while applying GRAP restrictions.
This strengthens the argument that outdoor sports must be reviewed through a public health lens, not just an academic or cultural schedule.
Why This Order Matters
The Delhi High Court’s directive is seen as a crucial intervention for several reasons:
1. Children Are the Most Affected by Pollution
Medical studies show that children inhale more air per kilo of body weight, exposing them to higher toxin levels.
2. Outdoor Exercise Intensifies Exposure
Running or playing increases breathing rate, pulling more pollutant-laden air deep into the lungs.
3. Long-Term Health Impact
Exposure to winter pollution in childhood is linked to lifelong respiratory issues such as:
- asthma
- reduced lung development
- chronic cough
- increased susceptibility to infections
4. Schools Often Lack Air Quality Safety Protocols
Few schools in Delhi have functioning AQI monitors, clean indoor spaces for sports, or clear policies on activity restrictions.
Govt to Rework the Calendar
Following the court’s directive, the Delhi Government said it will consult the Department of Education and revise the sports calendar.
Justice Datta advised that winter sports events may be scheduled after board exams, when the weather is cleaner and more suitable for physical activity.
A Turning Point for School Sports Policy
This ruling is likely to set a precedent, pushing educational institutions to place children’s health above outdated traditions of winter sports days.
As pollution levels worsen each year, this decision signals a necessary shift toward seasonal planning, indoors-based alternatives, and child-centric policy reforms.
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