The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Indian government’s handling of the stubble burning issue in North India, highlighting that the Environment Protection Act has become “toothless.” The court criticized both the central government and the state governments of Punjab and Haryana for failing to implement strict regulations and for not taking meaningful action against violators.
Key Points from the Supreme Court’s Observations:
- Inaction on Stubble Burning: The court noted that despite over 1,080 violators identified in Punjab, there has been a lack of serious legal repercussions, with only nominal fines collected from 473 individuals. This indicates a significant number of offenders remain unpunished, leading to a culture of impunity.
- Warning to Authorities: The bench, consisting of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Augustine George Masih, warned that the lack of enforcement sends a message to potential violators that there are no consequences for their actions, a situation that has persisted for the last three years.
- False Statements and Accountability: Justice Oka questioned the Punjab chief secretary about misleading statements regarding requests made to the Central government for assistance in addressing stubble burning. He demanded accountability for the falsehoods, warning that contempt proceedings could be initiated if the responsible individuals were not identified.
- Haryana’s Compliance Report: The court also reviewed the affidavit from the Haryana chief secretary, who claimed that measures had been taken to reduce stubble burning incidents, including the appointment of 5,123 nodal officers. However, the court pointed out discrepancies in the reported numbers, such as the total incidents of burning versus the number of FIRs registered.
- Emphasis on Accuracy: The justices urged the Haryana chief secretary to ensure consistency and accuracy in his statements, highlighting the importance of truthful reporting in addressing the issue effectively.
The Supreme Court’s remarks reflect a growing concern over environmental pollution caused by stubble burning and the inadequate response from state authorities, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and accountability to protect public health and the environment.
