Supreme Court questions Punjab and Haryana on action against stubble burning amid severe Delhi pollution under Stage III of GRAP.
Case in NewsThe Supreme Court questions States on Delhi pollution control, seeking updates from Punjab and Haryana on steps to curb stubble burning . |
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Case Overview
Case Name: In Re: Air Pollution in National Capital Region (Delhi Pollution Case)
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran of the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday sought reports from the Punjab and Haryana governments regarding measures to control stubble burning, amid worsening Delhi pollution . The Bench observed that the air quality in the national capital had deteriorated drastically after Diwali, prompting the enforcement of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) . The matter will be heard again on November 17, 2025 .
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Key Aspects
The Court took note of the severe air quality levels in Delhi and the surrounding NCR region . It expressed concern over the alleged manipulation of AQI data and ongoing construction activities despite restrictions .
- Stage III of GRAP has been implemented across Delhi-NCR to combat hazardous air quality .
- Punjab and Haryana were directed to report on actions taken against stubble burning, a major pollution source .
- Reports alleged Delhi’s water tankers were used to artificially lower AQI readings .
- The Amicus Curiae submitted that the air quality had reached a hazardous level suggesting GRAP IV be enforced .
Legal Insights
The case invokes key environmental principles and statutory mechanisms under Indian law to tackle air pollution .
- Article 21 of the Constitution of India , citizens have a right to clean air as part of the right to life .
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, empowers the government to curb emissions and monitor air quality .
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), under its statutory authority, implemented the 9-point action plan for NCR under Stage III of GRAP .
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, also mandates immediate preventive measures during environmental crises .
Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court of India directed Punjab and Haryana to submit reports on measures against stubble burning and noted violations within its own premises due to ongoing construction . The Court listed the case for hearing on November 17 and assured that further directions would be issued based on the States’ compliance .
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Constitution of India
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