Headline
The Supreme Court of India for stubble burning neglect,summons Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana for failing to take significant measures against stubble burning,despite prior directions. The Supreme Court condemned the minimal fines imposed and lack of prosecutions, warning both states of potential contempt proceedings.
Key Facts
- Case Name: In Re: Commission for Air Quality Management
- Judges Name: Justice Abhay S. Oka, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Justice Augustine George Masih
- The issue was that the severe cause of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region continues because of stubble burning.
- Court’s Concern: No prosecutions and only nominal fines imposed despite the reports of ISRO in identifying fires.
- The Supreme Court of India ordered Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana to appear at the next hearing. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was asked to punish officials under Section 14 of the 2021 Act.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court of India stresses on the binding nature of CAQM’s directives under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR Act, 2021. It interrogated the failure of the state government to prosecute offenders and condemned the lack of certified experts in the CAQM.
Impact
This summons showcases the frustration of the Court with the lack of legal enforcement, telling a stricter stand on environmental compliance and accountability.
Why It Matters
Stubble burning is a main contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The intervention of the Supreme Court seeks to ensure that state governments take stricter action to mitigate health and environmental hazards.
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