Supreme Court
– Photo: ANI
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The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Punjab and Haryana governments. The court said that both the states did not take any punitive action against those who burn stubble. The court said that if these governments were really interested in enforcing the law, there would be at least a prosecution.
Told the Secretary of Punjab – You are sparing the people
The Supreme Court told the Chief Secretary of Punjab that FIR was registered against about 1080 violators, but you have collected nominal fine from only 473 people. You are sparing 600 or more people. Let us tell you clearly that you are giving a signal to the violators that nothing will be done against them. This has been happening for the last three years.
Statistics are changing every minute – Top Court from Haryana
Haryana Chief Secretary told the Supreme Court that 400 incidents of crop burning took place. Also, 32 FIRs have been registered in the state. Expressing displeasure on this, the Supreme Court said that lies are being told about the figures of stubble burners. The figures are changing every minute.
The top court said that Haryana is selecting people. According to him, compensation is being taken from some people and FIR is being registered against some. The bench said, 'We are concerned about registering FIR on some and imposing minor fine on some.'
What is being done about the stubble?
Supreme Court asked Haryana Chief Secretary, what is being done about the stubble and has anything been provided to the farmers? On this, the Chief Secretary said that about one lakh machines have been given for disposal of stubble, due to which the burning of stubble has reduced.
The Supreme Court said that the time has come to remind the Center and the states of Punjab and Haryana that living in a pollution-free environment is the fundamental right of the citizens. The Supreme Court said that this is a gross violation of fundamental rights under Article 21.
Hearing in the case will now take place after Diwali
Adjourning the air pollution matter to Diwali, the Supreme Court said it will consider the issues of pollution caused by transport in Delhi, entry of heavy trucks in the city and open burning of garbage.
