New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court Monday observed that schools in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) should open now despite the high pollution levels as the problem won't be solved if students stay at home.

The top court, however, left the final decision to the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management), including the one on continuing the ban on physical classes for Classes 10 and 12.

While making the observation, the apex court pointed out that many students do not have air purifiers at home, so skipping school will hardly make a difference.

The court also stated that a large number of students do not have proper facilities to follow online classes and hence would lag behind.

Lastly, the judges said the closure of schools would mean many students would be deprived of the mid-day meal facility.

"Let the commission take a decision at the earliest even without a copy of the order... we expect a decision to be taken latest by today or tomorrow morning," the judges said in their order.

The apex court also noted that many sections of society have been adversely affected as a result of GRAP 4 rules implementation.

"Thus we direct the commission to take several mitigating measures under Section 12 of the Act," the judges said.

Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution for the past several days prompting the administration to take stringent preventive action leading to the implementation of GRAP 4 rules including bans on construction activities and shifting schools to online mode of education.