Stubble burning: SC raps Punjab & Haryana govts

SUMMONS TOP OFFICERS

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments over the non-prosecution of violators found guilty of stubble burning while summoning the state chief secretaries to appear before it on October 23 for an explanation.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Maish pointed out "complete insensitivity" on the part of both states, directing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against both the government officials for the failure to take action against the violators.

Stubble burning is a major contributor to the rising pollution levels in the national Capital.

The top court was upset over Punjab and Haryana governments not taking any steps to implement the directions issued by the CAQM in the national capital region (NCR) in June 2021 to stop stubble burning.

"This is not a political matter.

If the chief secretary is acting at somebody's behest, we will issue summons against them as well.