Tough restrictions on vehicular movement and construction activities in Delhi will stay for now, the Supreme Court ruled today.

Without being “satisfied that there is a consistent downward trend of AQI, we cannot permit the Commission to go down to stage 3 or stage 2,” the Supreme Court bench said on GRAP measures.

The Supreme Court on Monday censured the AAP government and the Delhi police for a "serious lapse" on their part in the strict implementation of GRAP-IV measures and directed the Commission for Air Quality Management to take action against the erring officials.

The Supreme Court emphasized that authorities have not made "earnest efforts" to implement GRAP 4 curbs effectively. The court also took cognizance of worries over restarting physical classes in schools,

The Supreme Court has urged the Commission for Air Quality Management to consider easing restrictions for educational institutions under the harsh GRAP-IV norms. Acknowledging student disadvantages, the court emphasized pressing welfare measures for affected communities,

The court noted that there is not much difference in air outside and inside a place and large number of children cannot access air purifiers.

Last week, GRAP-IV was imposed in the national capital after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 450 mark, and the apex court had said that the curbs can't be eased without its approval.

On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to evaluate the possibility of reinstating physical classes in schools and colleges within the Delhi-NCR region. The court said many students are missing out on mid-day meals and lack the necessary infrastructure for online learning.

The Supreme Court on Monday (25 November) ordered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to review its decision to close schools in Delhi-NCR, particularly for Classes 10 to 12, in light of concerns over access to mid-day meals and air quality at home.