New Delhi, November 11 — The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for failing to enforce stricter measures against stubble burning by farmers, which has significantly impacted air quality in Delhi-NCR. The Bench, led by Justice Abhay S Oka and including Justice Augustine George Masih, expressed displeasure over the states’ reluctance to prosecute farmers and officials responsible for enforcing the ban, instead relying primarily on issuing show-cause notices despite the flagrant violations.
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court questioned the commitment of Punjab and Haryana to tackle stubble burning, which escalates post-harvest every year and worsens air pollution in the capital region. The Bench directed the states to explain why legal action under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, had not been pursued rigorously.
The court further demanded a response from Punjab’s Advocate General, Gurminder Singh, regarding the Centre’s decision to deny Punjab’s request for a ₹1,200 crore fund intended to incentivize farmers to abandon stubble burning. The Centre had previously turned down this demand, which Punjab had proposed as a preventive measure to encourage farmers to seek alternative, eco-friendly methods of crop residue disposal.
The court also highlighted what it termed “institutional reluctance” in prosecuting officials who failed to uphold the stubble-burning ban. “Why are you sparing your officers?” Justice Oka remarked, questioning the limited action taken against erring officials in the region. While the Punjab government’s counsel mentioned that 1,037 officials had received show-cause notices, the court observed that only 56 officials had faced prosecution.
Referring to the rise in stubble burning incidents over the Diwali season, the Bench called for strict adherence to rules and demanded an explanation for the non-prosecution of farmers engaging in the practice. Noting that the pollution had affected not only the NCR but large swathes of Northern India, the Bench reiterated the need for effective policy implementation to curb the pollution crisis.
The Supreme Court’s comments underscore the urgency of tackling seasonal pollution caused by stubble burning and represent a renewed push for accountability at both governmental and administrative levels.
4o
More Stories
Sukhbir Badal survived the attack outside Golden Temple as ex-militant Narayan Singh Chaura identified as attacker
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Stop at Ghazipur Border on Way to Violence-Hit Sambhal
Sukhbir Badal Attack News: Gunman Opens Fire at SAD Leader During Golden Temple Seva; Narrow Escape Caught on Camera