SC On Delhi NCR Pollution: The Supreme Court once again took on Punjab, Haryana and the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) on the Delhi pollution issue. The court said that the matter is not limited to non-compliance of some laws. People's fundamental rights are being violated here. Strict action is necessary against those who poison the air and fail to stop it.
Punjab-Haryana reprimanded
On the orders of the court, the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana appeared in person. A bench of 3 judges headed by Justice Abhay Oka strongly reprimanded both of them. Justice Amanullah, member of the bench, said, “Think about the present condition of Delhi and what is going to happen in future. You too must be affected by stubble pollution. At least think about yourself.”
The court reprimanded the Advocate General and Chief Secretary of Punjab for making false claims of seeking funds for tractors and machines from the Centre. The court said that there is no record of this. The court also said that the name of the officer at whose instance the Advocate General made this claim should be disclosed so that a contempt notice can be sent to him.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Punjab, tried to handle the case. On this, Justice Oka said, “Don't force us to say anything more. The seriousness of the state government is visible. First the Advocate General said that no case was registered against anyone. Now you are telling that this year 5 cases Only 5 are registered? Is this possible?
Even satellite reports are denied – Court
The court further said that the affidavit of Punjab also does not tell when the monitoring committee was formed at the village level and when the nodal officer was appointed. When did the government pass this order? If this committee was formed, what has it done till now? On this, Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that around 9000 people have been appointed. Justice Amanullah quipped, “9000 people together found only 9 incidents? Wow!”
After this the court also asked sharp questions to the Chief Secretary of Haryana. The court said that it does not agree with the argument that there have been fewer incidents of stubble burning this year. Justice Oka said that ISRO gives reports from satellite. The officials of Punjab and Haryana deny that too.
'Delhi will become a gas chamber'
Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the court in the case, said, “It is the same story every year. This year the court is monitoring more seriously, yet the attitude is the same, the stubble is burning. As Diwali approaches, other reasons And Delhi will become a gas chamber.” Amicus Curiae said, “Section 14 of the CAQM Act prohibits taking action against farmers. Compensation can be recovered from them under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act. This has also been made ineffective.
The judges said that both the states are collecting compensation from selected people, that too only Rs 5,000, this needs to be considered. The Central Government's lawyer said that after considering this, the amount will be paid. The court asked Punjab and Haryana not to take cosmetic action on selected cases, action should be taken on all.
The judges told CAQM that under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, there is a provision of punishment of up to 5 years for those who do not follow the instructions. He should have taken action against the negligent officers of Punjab and Haryana. Just sending notice is not enough. The court also asked CAQM to consider removing its inactive officials. The Central Government should increase the amount of compensation to be recovered under the EP Act.
