The Supreme Court Today (Nov 11) took critical note that the governments in Punjab and Haryana remained reluctant to act against farmers who resort to stubble burning in the fields, leading to a rise in air pollution. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also asked how the stubble burning incidents had seen a rise on the day of Diwali recently.
The Supreme Court has resumed the MC Mehta case, addressing Delhi’s severe pollution and stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Expressing concern over inadequate fines and enforcement, the Court emphasized the need for stringent measures on issues like firecracker bans, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Compliance reports, stricter penalties, and public awareness campaigns were directed to curb pollution effectively.
Despite Supreme Court criticism, stubble burning persists in Punjab and Haryana, contributing to severe air pollution. The Court condemned these states for inadequate actions and suggested fines are not deterring farmers. Haryana offers Rs. 1,000 per acre to prevent burning while farmers seek lasting solutions to this environmental issue.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud revealed that he has stopped his morning walks due to Delhi’s rising air pollution. The CJI also announced the removal of the law degree requirement for journalists covering the Supreme Court, alongside digitisation efforts and new AI tools for translating judgments into regional languages.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings based on two alarming studies linking air pollution to approximately 33,000 annual deaths in major Indian cities and high levels of heavy metal pollutants in certain regions. The NGT has issued notices to key authorities, demanding action to address these environmental concerns.
Today, On 16th October, The Supreme Court criticized Punjab and Haryana for failing to address Delhi’s air pollution crisis, mainly caused by stubble burning. It reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management for ineffectiveness and lack of qualified members. The court urged stricter actions against violators and highlighted the ongoing pollution challenges due to multiple factors.
Today, On 24th September, the Supreme Court of India expressed concern over stubble burning’s role in air pollution during a hearing focused on Delhi’s air quality. The Court demanded explanations from the Commission for Air Quality Management regarding enforcement actions against violators and reiterated the necessity of stopping stubble burning to improve air quality.
Bombay High Court division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni critically evaluated the existing environmental regulations and their enforcement in the city like Air Pollution. The Bombay High Court on Monday has emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures rather than mere remedial actions. The court’s recent observations highlight the […]