"Some Project Us As Villains": Supreme Court On Delhi Schools' Closure
NDTV
During yesterday's hearing the court had questioned the Delhi government's decision to re-open schools despite air pollution levels in the 'severe' or 'hazardous' category
An aggrieved Supreme Court on Friday clarified that it had never formally directed the Delhi government to indefinitely shut schools in the national capital over the air quality crisis.
The court - hearing a long-running argument over controlling, if not eliminating, the clouds of toxic air that smother the national capital every winter - said it had only asked why schools were open (and children exposed to the poisonous air) while adults had been given the option of working from home.
Chief Justice NV Ramana, heading the three-judge bench in this matter, appeared upset at some newspaper reports on yesterday's hearings that said the court had pressed for the closure of schools.
"... we don't know whether it is intentional or not. Some sections of the media ... and some people try to project us as villains... (and say) we want closure of schools. It was the Delhi government's own suggestion on closing things - WFH, etc. Have you seen the papers today?" the Chief Justice asked.
