The CJI asked the central government about its short-term plan to address pollution.
New Delhi: A hearing on the toxic air in Delhi-NCR was held today, December 1, in the Supreme Court before CJI Surya Kant. The CJI’s bench clearly stated that this is not a seasonal dispute but an issue requiring continuous monitoring. The central government was asked, when farmers burned stubble even during COVID-19, why the sky remained blue. The court stated that this matter will no longer be raised only in October and November, but will be listed regularly so that governments do not have to wait for the season to end.
At the outset of the hearing, the CJI asked the central government about its short-term plan to address pollution. ASG Aishwarya Bhati stated that the government has filed an affidavit detailing its short-term and category-wise contributions. She stated that stakeholders and other agencies, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the CPCB, should meet to monitor the action plan.
It’s easy to blame stubble burning every year: CJI Surya Kant
The CJI asked what positive impact these schemes have had so far and whether the government could explain its legitimate expectations regarding the current action plan. The court stated that it’s impossible to assess the effectiveness of any scheme without presenting data. CJI Surya Kant questioned that stubble burning was prevalent even during COVID-19, yet the sky was still clear. The CJI said that it’s easy to blame stubble burning every year, given the limited representation of farmers in policymaking.
He stated bluntly:
The issue of stubble burning should not become political, nor should it become a clash of egos between states or agencies. Farmers need to be made aware and sensitive, not burdened. “We have to provide them with the necessary machinery.”
The ASG representing the central government acknowledged that the target for “zero stubble burning” was set in all states, but it was not achieved. In response, the CJI asked which source contributes the most pollution, according to scientific analysis. The court stated that blaming any one group without a scientific basis is not appropriate.
Stubble burning is not the sole cause: Justice Bagchi
Justice Bagchi, who was present on the CJI’s bench, also posed sharp questions to the government. He stated that stubble burning is not the sole cause. “Construction has been banned, but to what extent has it been enforced?” He stated that the government must inform the court of the areas where violations were observed and the action taken. The ASG stated that the affidavit lists the category-wise contributions of vehicular pollution, stubble burning, construction dust, industries, and other sources, which will be presented to the court.
We cannot sit idle: CJI
CJI Surya Kant clarified that the court’s role is not merely to comment but to provide a platform for experts to develop concrete solutions. He stated that the court will not speculate or prejudge any source. “We cannot sit idle.” The solution will come from experts; the court only provides the platform.
