'You Are Giving a Signal to Violators...': SC Raps Punjab, Haryana Over Stubble Burning

New Delhi: The Supreme court rebuked government of Punjab and Haryana due to their inaction on stubble burning amid rising levels of severe air pollution, on Wednesday

The Court strongly criticized the Punjab and Haryana governments for their lack of action against those responsible for stubble burning, which has worsened air pollution in Delhi. The court noted that if the governments were truly committed to enforcing the law, there would have been at least one prosecution by now.

The court specifically called out the Punjab government, mentioning that while FIRs were registered against 1,080 violators, fines were collected from only 473 people. The court remarked, "You are letting over 600 offenders go unpunished, sending a message that no real action will be taken against them. This has been happening for the past three years."

Top Court Criticizes Centre Over ‘Toothless’ Environment Laws 

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanulllah and Augustine George Masih said the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act of 2021 (CAQM Act) was enacted without creating required machinery for implementing the provision to curb air pollution.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said section 15 of the CAQM Act, which deals with penalty for stubble burning, will be implemented effectively as regulations for it will be issued in 10 days.

She submitted that an adjudicating officer will be appointed and all necessary actions will be taken to enforce the law effectively.

Bhati pointed out that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued notices to senior administrative officials of Punjab and Haryana besides officials of the state pollution control boards and sought their response as to why action should not be taken against them. 

The court further noted that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act was passed without setting up the necessary mechanisms to implement it effectively.

Meanwhile, further union government assured the court that regulations for penalizing stubble burning under the CAQM Act would be issued within 10 days.