Today, On 17th September, The Supreme Court highlighted that imprisoning some farmers for stubble burning could act as a strong deterrent and send a clear message to others. The remarks came while hearing petitions on Delhi-NCR’s severe October air pollution.
The Supreme Court emphasized today that imprisoning some farmers for burning stubble could serve as a strong deterrent and convey an important message to others, as it addressed petitions related to the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR that occurs every October.
The Supreme Court stated,
If some people are behind bars, it will send the correct message. Not as a routine but to send a message.
The CJI explained,
“Not as a routine but to send a message,”
Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh informed the bench, comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, that farmers have been provided with subsidies and equipment to tackle the stubble burning issue.
She stated,
“But farmers have the same story. Last time, farmers said that they were asked to burn at a time when the satellite does not pass over that area. I am sorry to say that since 2018, the Supreme Court has passed extensive orders, and they only plead helplessness before you,”
The Chief Justice questioned why authorities have not considered imposing penalties to tackle this problem.
He asked,
“If some people are behind bars, it will send the correct message. Why don’t you think of some penalty provisions for the agriculturists? If you have a real intention of protecting the environment, then why shy away?”
The Chief Justice added,
“Farmers are special, and we are eating because of them… but it does not mean that they can take advantage,”
Stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana is a significant contributor to the toxic air in Delhi during October and November each year.
Farmers resort to burning stubble to clear crop residue, but alternatives such as manual labor or specialized machinery are often deemed too costly. While the number of reported cases has decreased, stubble burning continues to be a persistent issue.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the Punjab government, noted that instances of stubble burning in the state have diminished in recent years.
He asserted,
“In three years, a lot has been achieved. We will achieve much more this year,”
He also highlighted that previous arrests in stubble burning cases primarily involved small farmers,
“If you pick him up and put him behind bars, what happens to the dependents?”
The Chief Justice clarified,
“Not as a routine. But to send a message.”
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Delhi government and the Centre, requested the court to revisit the issue next week after receiving status reports.
Case Title: In Re: Filling of Vacant Posts in the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees