The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, strongly reprimanded the governments of Punjab and Haryana for failing to take effective action to curb stubble burning, a key contributor to the severe air pollution that plagues Delhi and surrounding regions during the winter months. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of compliance from both states regarding the directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), calling it an “absolute defiance” of its orders.
The apex court highlighted the alarming increase in stubble burning cases this year, despite previous warnings and measures set by the commission. Justice A.S. Oka, leading the bench, directed the Haryana Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal, to be physically present in court on October 23. The court further mandated that the CAQM take penal action against non-compliant state officers under Section 14 of the Environment Protection Act.
“We see that the affidavit by Haryana is full of non-compliance,” Justice Oka stated. “We direct the Commission to take penal action against state officers. The Chief Secretary must explain to the court not only for the non-compliance but also for the failure to take stringent action against violators.”
Justice Oka also expressed frustration at the absence of significant legal action in Punjab and Haryana. Despite the Haryana government claiming that 17 FIRs had been registered this year, the court noted that none were filed under the required provisions. The court warned of possible contempt proceedings against the Haryana Chief Secretary if adequate action is not taken within a week. “We are giving you one week, and if not complied, we will issue contempt against the Chief Secretary,” the bench stated, urging the state to prosecute violators under appropriate environmental laws.
The court also criticised the CAQM for its inaction and failure to enforce its previous orders, pointing out that no prosecutions had been initiated for stubble burning. “None of the members of the commission appear qualified to deal with air pollution matters. There is absolute non-compliance, and not a single prosecution has been carried out yet. Everything remains on paper,” the bench said.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has long been identified as a major source of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly during the October-November post-harvest season. Despite previous warnings and directives, both states have failed to significantly reduce the number of burning incidents, further worsening the already hazardous air quality in Delhi.
