‘Complete defiance,’ SC scolds Punjab and Haryana over rising cases of stubble burning

Winters are coming in northern India, and so is the choking season as residents stare at staggering levels of air pollution. Now, the Supreme Court of India (SC) has issued a warning to Punjab and Haryana states over the persistent issue of stubble burning, which contributes to poor air quality in neighbouring Delhi.

During proceedings on Wednesday (Oct 16), the country’s top court highlighted the rising cases of stubble burning in the two states, and blastedthe major agrarian states for “complete defiance" of directives from the Commission of Air Quality Management.

The apex court also issued summons to the chief secretaries of Punjab and Haryana for the next hearing on Oct 23.

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While taking on Haryana, Justice AS Oka said while highlighting compliance issues, “We see that the affidavit by Haryana is full of non-compliance. We direct the Commission to take penal action against State Officers under Section 14." He also directed state's chief secretary T.V.S.N. Prasadto be present in the court and explain the state’s failure to check stubble burning.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against Haryana and Punjab government officials.

"This is not a political matter. If chief secretary is acting at somebody's behest, we will issue summons against them as well. Next Wednesday, we are going to physically call chief secretary and explain everything. Nothing has been done, same is with Punjab government. The attitude is of complete defiance," the bench said.

Speaking of Punjab, the bench highlighted how not even a single prosecution has taken place in the state for the widespread offence.

The court also rapped the CAQM for becoming ‘a toothless tiger’.

(With inputs from agencies)