In a stern warning, the Supreme Court on Wednesday criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for failing to comply with its orders on curbing air pollution in Delhi. The rebuke comes as the national capital continues to grapple with severe air quality issues, primarily attributed to stubble burning in neighboring states.
The apex court, particularly addressing the Haryana government, expressed frustration over non-compliance with earlier directives. “Why are the orders not being followed? If there is further non-compliance, we will issue contempt charges against the Chief Secretary of Haryana,” the bench warned. The court emphasized the state’s leniency in handling those responsible for stubble burning, pointing out that violators were being let off with minimal fines. “ISRO is telling you where a fire was taking place, and you say that you do not find anything,” the court remarked, underscoring the state’s failure to take meaningful action.
The Supreme Court also criticized the handling of the issue in Punjab, stating that both states displayed an “attitude of complete defiance.” The bench questioned why the Chief Secretaries of both states were not taking stringent action to address the growing pollution crisis.
“This is not a political matter. If the Chief Secretary is acting at somebody’s behest, we will issue summons against them as well. Nothing has been done,” the bench asserted.
The court further noted that the affidavit submitted by the Haryana government was “full of non-compliance” and directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take penal action against state officials for failing to act. The court also ordered that the Chief Secretary of Haryana be physically present at the next hearing on Wednesday to explain the lack of stringent measures against both violators and government officials.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Commission for Air Quality Management’s effectiveness, the Supreme Court remarked, “CAQM has become a toothless tiger.” Earlier, the court had admonished the CAQM for failing to curb the severe air pollution caused by crop residue burning in neighboring states, urging the commission to adopt a more proactive stance.
The ongoing stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution woes, remains a contentious issue, with the court now taking a harder stance to ensure compliance and accountability from state governments. The next hearing is expected to determine further action against state officials if no progress is made.
