New Delhi: The Supreme Court stated on Wednesday that the country’s pollution control agencies and states must present measures to tackle air pollution within three weeks before winter. The court made this remark during a hearing on a case related to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, which includes issues like firecrackers and stubble burning. The next hearing is scheduled for October 8.

The bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and state pollution control boards to take timely steps, as pollution levels reach dangerous levels every winter.

CJI Gavai emphasized the need for strict action against farmers who burn stubble. He said, ‘Why aren’t farmers who violate government directives against stubble burning arrested? Merely imposing fines won’t suffice; it’s essential to hold farmers accountable.’

The bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing the case. Arguments were presented on behalf of the Punjab government and by amicus curiae.

  • CJI Gavai: Why doesn’t the Punjab government take strict action against those burning stubble? Some people may only stop if they face jail time. Farmers are important, but protecting the environment is also crucial.
  • Representative: The state is continuously working. Incidents of stubble burning decreased last year and will reduce further this year. The situation has improved over the past three years.
  • Amicus Curiae: Despite providing machines and incentives, there hasn’t been significant change. Farmers say that when satellites don’t pass over their fields, they get leeway to burn stubble. The court has been issuing orders since 2018, but states only show helplessness.
  • CJI Gavai: If the state doesn’t act, the court will issue orders. Strict measures against stubble burning are necessary.
  • Representative: Arrests have happened before, but most are small farmers. Sending them to jail will adversely affect their families.
  • CJI Gavai: Not every time, but some people must be sent to jail to send the right message.

SC Directs: Agencies and States Must Fill Vacancies in 3 Months

The court reprimanded states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The bench stated that long-vacant positions in these states’ pollution control boards must be filled within three months.

Additionally, the court directed CAQM and CPCB to recruit for their vacant positions within three months. A period of six months was set for promotions-related recruitments.

Fine of Up to 30,000 for Stubble Burning

The central government doubled the fine on farmers burning stubble on November 7, 2024. The Environment Ministry issued a notification stating that a fine of ₹5,000 would be imposed for land less than 2 acres.

For land between two and five acres, the fine is ₹10,000, and for land over five acres, it is ₹30,000. The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi are obligated to enforce these rules.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the United States, established in 1789 by Article III of the U.S. Constitution. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving federal law and serves as the final interpreter of the Constitution. Its landmark decisions, such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade, have profoundly shaped American law and society.

Commission for Air Quality Management

The Commission for Air Quality Management is a statutory body established by the Government of India in 2020 to coordinate efforts and combat air pollution in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. It was formed to supersede earlier ad-hoc bodies and provides a permanent, powerful authority to implement measures, enforce regulations, and research solutions for improving air quality.

Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is India’s national government agency for environmental protection and pollution control, established in 1974. It was created under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act to monitor and improve the country’s air and water quality. The CPCB advises the government, sets national standards, and coordinates the efforts of state pollution control boards.

Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) is a vast metropolitan area that encompasses India’s capital, New Delhi, along with surrounding districts from neighboring states. Its history is deeply layered, with central Delhi itself being the site of numerous ancient and medieval cities, such as Indraprastha and Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), before becoming the modern capital under British rule. Today, it is a major economic and cultural hub, blending historic monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar with rapidly expanding modern suburbs.

Punjab

Punjab is a historical region in South Asia, split between India and Pakistan, known as the heartland of Sikhism. Its name means «Land of Five Rivers» and it has been a cradle of civilization for millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous empires. The region is famed for its fertile agriculture, vibrant Bhangra music, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest site of the Sikh faith.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India with a rich historical and cultural heritage, being the heartland of ancient and medieval Indian empires. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in Agra and the holy cities of Varanasi and Allahabad, which are major pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The region was a central power base for the Mughal Empire and later played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement.

Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India that was carved out of the former state of East Punjab in 1966 on linguistic grounds. Historically, the region is part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and is considered the birthplace of Hinduism, being home to the sacred Sarasvati and Drishadvati rivers mentioned in the Vedas. It is also the site of the epic Kurukshetra War, a central event in the Hindu scripture, the Mahabharata.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a vibrant state in northwestern India, historically known as the «Land of Kings» for its numerous historic kingdoms and opulent forts. Its rich history is defined by the Rajput clans who ruled the region for centuries, leaving behind a legacy of majestic palaces and a distinct warrior culture. Today, it is famed for its vast deserts, colorful festivals, and as a hub of traditional arts and crafts.