NEW DELHI — In a stern observation during a hearing on air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Supreme Court suggested that jailing some individuals involved in stubble burning would “send the correct message.” Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, while acknowledging the vital role farmers play in providing food, asserted that this does not grant them a license to “cannot protect the environment.”
The remarks came after arguments presented by amicus curiae Aparajita Singh on the issue of farmers burning crop stubble. “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 CJI reportedly stated, directing his comments at senior advocate Rahul Mehra, who represents the State of Punjab.
The court is currently hearing a case on air pollution in the Delhi-NCR, which includes issues like firecrackers and stubble burning.
The CJI’s comments balanced an appreciation for the farmers’ contribution to the country’s food security with a firm stance on environmental protection. He referenced news reports indicating that stubble could be repurposed into biofuels, noting, “We cannot make this a 5 yearly exercise. Farmers are special and we are eating because of them… but it does not mean that we cannot protect the environment you see.”
This isn’t the first time the CJI has made strong statements on pollution. Just days ago, he questioned why the ban on firecrackers was a blanket measure only for the Delhi-NCR region and not implemented nationwide. He argued that all citizens are entitled to clean air, not just those living in the capital. “If citizens in NCR are entitled to pollution-free air, then why not people of other cities?” he questioned.
Court Orders Pollution Board Vacancy Fillings
As part of the proceedings, the Supreme Court also reportedly issued directives to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court has ordered both bodies to fill all their vacancies within three months.
The court also criticized the states for vacancies within their respective pollution boards and specifically ordered Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab to fill these positions within the same three-month timeframe.
Every year, the onset of winter leads to a significant increase in air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, with stubble burning being one of the key contributors alongside other factors like vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.